Fwd: ANZMI - State medals, former corrective services member Patrick Armstrong and his medals Source: Supplied

They are furious Police, Firefighters, Corrective Service officers and others are wearing medals on their left breast — opposed to the right, which commonwealth regulations stipulate — claiming they devalue the awards earned in conflict.

The RSL wants an urgent review of guidelines to clarify what medals can be legitimately worn on the left hand side.

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Not happy...State medals, being worn on the left hand side, have raised the ire of war veterans. Picture: Supplied Source: Supplied

RSL National President Ken Doolan said the State and Federal government standoff should be resolved before next April’s World War One centenary.

“We need a political solution between state and federal governments,” Admiral Doolan said.

“The lines are not as clear as they used to be and it is very difficult for the RSL to be emphatic when it comes to matters such as state and foreign awards.”

Vietnam War veteran Bill Hobson, who coordinates the ANZMI website that exposes medal fraudsters, said many veterans strongly opposed allowing state awards to be worn on the left breast.

“As a returned veteran I strongly oppose the mixing of State awards with Defence medals as it will devalue Defence medals,” he said.

Wearing medals with pride...Vietnam veterans Welcome Home march through Sydney in 1987 Picture: Supplied. Source: News Corp Australia

“Defence service is unique as is State service, and the two should not be mixed.

“We will now see every kind of State Medal joined to Defence Medals and worn on the left side. This action grossly devalues Defence Medals, hard earned by participating in wars.”

For example a former Army Reservist who received a service medal and several police medals has been told he can wear them all on the left.

Former Corrective Services officer Patrick Armstrong never served in the military, but he was told by his boss, Corrective Services Commissioner Peter Severin, that regulations had allowed officers to wear State medals on the left side since 1985.

“On occasions such as Anzac and Remembrance Days retired and serving staff members not in uniform have maintained wearing their medals on their left breast,” Mr Severin wrote to the ANZMI website.

Mr Armstrong, a former army cadet, marches on Anzac Day alongside war veterans with his impressive rack on his left breast and he said that he would continue to do so.

State Police bosses have also told their members to wear awards on the left.

Resolve...RSL National President Ken Doolan said the State and Federal government standoff should be resolved before next April’s World War One centenary. Picture: Supplied. Source: Supplied

Vietnam Veteran Sam Vecchio from St Clair in Sydney, who was awarded five medals after his 1970 tour of Vietnam, said only defence medals should be worn on the left hand side.

“Then war veterans can be honoured for their service to the country,” he said.

The official position is clear and according to the “It’s an Honour” office in the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet: state awards must be worn on the right.

“Medals awarded by Australian State and Territory governments are not considered ‘unofficial’ and may be worn on the right breast,” the official advice says.

Mr Hobson said the situation was confused and he urged authorities to enforce the official medal protocols set out by “It’s an Honour” and in line with the Anzac tradition.