Mark Berent, author of the Rolling Thunder series, x F4 pilot and a pile of other accomplishments had jump wings he earned while on some sort of exchange with the Special Forces in Germany in the mid 60's. So, I know it IS possible for pilots, at least back then, to rate jump wings and wear them on an AF uniform, as he did. This guy in the OP though - see the Purple heart x whatever - sure pal. And a Presidential Unit Citation just squashed in the middle of a bunch of other ribbons...
edit - I googled it, and found this picture of Berent - jump wings at the bottom I believe, but I'm no expert for sure on American stuff.
His decorations include the Silver Star, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross with one oak leaf cluster, Bronze Star, Air Medal with twenty-four oak leaf clusters, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, Cambodian Divisional Medal, and numerous Vietnam Campaign ribbons. He also earned US Special Forces and Cambodian jump wings
I just don't understand these guys. Here in Canada for people who have NOT served, but had a parent/grandparent/etc serve and have passed on, they are allowed to wear their 2nd World War and Korean medals on a black suit jacket, on the opposite side of where it is properly worn, as a sign of respect, as well without wearing any head dress at all, to show that they aren't a vet themselves. Nothing like what the OP tard is up to, but I have seen this done in Canada properly on rare occasion during Remembrance day or funerals.
I understand that in Australia and NZ this is common as well, on Remembrance day/vets day to wear ancestors medals on the right side, it even has an official term IIRC called "passing the Anzac torch" or something similar.
Personally I have mixed feelings about this, I have both grandfathers WW2 and one set of Korean medals, and I'd never wear them, even on the right side on Vets/Rem day, but if some want to honor their family in this way, I suppose it's ok on just one day and if done in the proper accepted way.
