Building your first Marine Corps ribbon rack can feel like a lot to take in at once. So can updating one after a promotion, a PCS, or a new award. Please take your time. We’ll walk through the whole process together, one step at a time, using our own Rack Builder tool.
Quick Answer: To build a Marine Corps ribbon rack, select your branch, choose each ribbon you’ve earned in order of precedence, add any gold star, silver star, or valor devices you rate, then review spacing, mounting, and shipping before checkout. Our Build Your Rack tool walks you through each of these steps in order.
Before You Start: Gather What You’ve Earned
Take a quiet moment to list your ribbons and medals. If you’re unsure of the order, our companion guide on the Marine Corps ribbon order of precedence walks through it. One more thing worth noting before you begin: personal decorations and unit awards mount separately, on opposite sides of your uniform. If your record includes both, plan for two ribbon sets rather than one combined rack.
Step 1: Start the Rack Builder and Choose Marine Corps
Head to our Build Your Rack tool and select Marines from the service dropdown, or start directly from our Marine Corps ribbons catalog. Either path shows you the full list, already arranged in the correct order of precedence.
Step 2: Select Each Ribbon You’ve Earned
Browse the list and check the box beside each ribbon you’ve earned. Take your time. You can always come back and adjust before checkout.
For ribbons you earned more than once, or with special distinctions, the builder offers these devices:
- 1 Large Gold Star: $1.25
- 1 Large Silver Star: $1.25
- 2 Large Gold Stars: $2.50
- 2 Large Silver Stars: $2.50
- 3 Large Gold Stars: $3.75
- 4 Large Gold Stars: $4.00
- Bronze “R” Remote: $2.00
- Bronze “C” Combat: $3.00
- Bronze or Gold “V” Valor: $2.00
A gold star marks a second award of the same decoration. Five gold stars convert to one silver star. The “V” marks an award for valor, the “C” marks a combat distinguishing device, and the “R” marks a remote impact or engagement device. If you’re not sure which devices your orders authorize, our team is happy to help you check before you order.
If you earned a ribbon only once, simply leave it as “No Device” and move along.
Step 3: Add a Matching Medal (Only If You’d Like One)
Some ribbons have a full medal counterpart. For these, the builder offers both a full-size and a miniature version, priced individually for each decoration. You’ll see the exact price for your specific medal right on the screen before you add it.
You’re under no obligation to add either size. Many Marines order ribbons only for everyday wear, then add a medal later when a formal event calls for it.
Step 4: Choose Your Spacing and Mounting
Marine Corps racks have a couple of options worth knowing about:
- 1/8″ Marine spacing (clear plastic backing): $10.00 per set. This is the Marine Corps-specific spacer style, distinct from the Army’s black-backing version.
- Magnetic backing: $7.50 per set, for those who’d rather avoid pin holes in their uniform. A quick note: we don’t recommend magnets for medals or for racks using the Marine spacing option above.
By default, your rack mounts with standard pin-back hardware. If you’re unsure which combination is right for your uniform, please reach out to our team before you order. We’re always glad to help.
Step 5: Review Your Summary Before Checkout
Once you’ve selected your ribbons, devices, and any medals, you’ll reach the Review Summary step. Here you can:
- Set how many identical ribbon sets you need.
- Enter discount code STR2025 for 10% off at checkout.
- Choose your shipping option: Standard (2 to 3 business days in transit), Overnight, Pickup in Store at our Wichita Falls, Texas location, or Ship With Another Order.
One small but important note: shipping speed affects how quickly your order travels once we’ve built it, not how long it takes us to build it. If you have a firm deadline, like a ceremony or an inspection, please reach out to us directly first.
Step 6: Take One More Gentle Look, Then Check Out
Before you check out, take a calm second pass through your rack. Compare it once more against your records or our precedence guide. When you’re ready, our secure checkout runs through Authorize.Net, and you’ll receive a confirmation right away.
Ready When You Are
Build Your Marine Corps Ribbon Rack now →
We arrange every rack to exact military precedence, with correct ribbon dimensions and mounting. We use Institute of Heraldry-approved materials, and we build each order with care.
Built in the USA, Trusted by Marines Nationwide
Super Thin Ribbons is a U.S.-based company, headquartered at 1602 Loop 11, Wichita Falls, Texas 76306. You can reach our team directly at 940-851-6220 or sales@superthinribbons.com. We design, build, and ship every rack from our Texas facility for Marines, veterans, and their families across the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Marine Corps ribbon rack cost?
Most individual ribbons cost just over $2.00 each. Devices, medals, spacing, and mounting cost extra, and each price shows clearly before you check out.
What does a gold star mean on my Marine Corps ribbon?
A gold star marks a second award of the same decoration. Five gold stars convert to one silver star, so your rack stays clean and correct.
What is Marine spacing, and do I need it?
Marine spacing is a 1/8″ clear plastic spacer used between ribbons on Marine Corps racks. It’s optional. If you’re unsure whether your uniform calls for it, our team can help you decide.
Should I choose pins or magnets?
Pin-back mounting is our standard option. Magnetic backing avoids pin holes in your uniform, but we don’t recommend it for medals or for racks using Marine spacing.
Do personal decorations and unit awards go in the same rack?
No. They mount on opposite sides of your uniform, so they need two separate ribbon sets. Our order of precedence guide explains this in more detail.
Can I update my rack later if I earn a new ribbon?
Yes. Many customers return to us after a promotion, a PCS, or a new award. Just reach out with your updated list, and we’ll help you add to what you already have.
To every Marine, veteran, and retiree building or updating a rack today: thank you for your service. We’re glad to walk through this with you, one ribbon at a time.