[Insert images of Medal of Honor tattoos]
The Medal of Honor has a specific color palette that requires a skilled tattoo artist.
This is a more complex design featuring the actual gold medallion. medal of honor tattoo
Instead of the star, tattoo the silhouette of a soldier dragging a comrade under fire. Tattoo the Iwo Jima flag raising. Tattoo the date of a specific battle. Or, if you must use the medal, frame it within a "Memorial" scroll—a tribute to a specific recipient who died.
In the military community, there is a significant conversation regarding "Stolen Valor"—the act of claiming military honours one did not earn. While it is not illegal to get a tattoo of the Medal of Honor if you are not a recipient, it is a matter of etiquette. [Insert images of Medal of Honor tattoos] The
The MOH has a lot of fine detail. Tiny stars. A tiny face. Small, precise lines. Over five years, those lines spread. Over ten years, Minerva starts to look like a blob. Over twenty years, that "Valor" text becomes a black smudge.
Due to the intricate nature of the award, capturing the fine details is essential for a high-quality result. The thirteen stars on the sky-blue ribbon are small and require precise needlework to ensure they remain distinct over time. Similarly, the engraving on the bronze portions of the medal—such as the profile of Minerva or the Statue of Liberty—demands an artist with a strong grasp of light and shadow to create a realistic metallic effect. Historical Context and Research Tattoo the Iwo Jima flag raising
If your answer is, "No, but my father was," or "No, but I admire the courage," you are going to feel a cold wind blow through that conversation. He will nod politely, but he will walk away feeling that you have borrowed a valor you didn't bleed for.
Best for large-scale pieces that include the citation text or a full battlefield scene. Ethics and "Stolen Valor"
What do you say?