Wear of the Medal Bar on a White Tunic?

[DonC]

Hello, all - my sourcebooks are a little ambiguous on the regs for the wear of the Heer white summer tunic with respect to the actual medal bar, aiguillete and parade belt for formal functions. Does anyone know if this was permitted or proscribed? I have seen Luftwaffe summer tunics in wear at dress occasions witht he brocade belt, ribbon bar and aiguilette, but have not encountered any Heer photos. Any help appreciated!

Don

[Tim Curley]

It is difficult to say anything definitive on this subject as it is difficult to find photos of these tunics in wear. From the 5 photos I have purchased in the last year showing white tunics in wear and from looking through Brian L. Davis' book on Army uniforms + remembering other white tunics I have seen such as in the book on Otto Carius, I have not seen anything other than ribbon bars worn. And I have not seen dress belts or aiguillettes worn either.

Having said that, it would not surprise me to see one or more of these items worn on the tunic. There are photos showing cloth breast eagles sewn on in lieu of the metal eagle and General's having sewn on collar tabs whereas this uniform was not supposed to have any collar tabs. Let's face it, most soldiers would not "counsel" the General on this deviation from the regulations.

[DonC]

Thanks, Tim -

I have seen the studio shots of RKT's wearing all their badges and medals with a ribbon bar instead of the medal bar. The specs for semiformal wear in Angolia indicate a medal bar, aiguilette and dress belt could be worn, but I have not been able to find photographic evidence, either.

The Luftwaffe summer uniforms I have seen with sashes, aiguilettes, everything - except a medal bar. Even the pics I have of Göring in all his gaudy finery show no medal bar. And if Meier didn't wear one...

Don