After a few decades of USCG service I am wearing a "tux" to this year's Embassy Marine Ball next week. Uniform Regulations say to wear mini medals on tux lapel, just like with USCG Dinner Dress Jacket. But, unfortunately 10 mini medals don't fit on the tux (lapel) that my wife selected.

Would it be inappropriate to wear mini medals on a pocket? If not, where: above, under, or on, or even on the other side? Sorry, but I will be out-of-uniform for the first time at a Marine Ball this year and don't know how to both show USCG pride and do it correctly.

Then wear the ones you want so that they fit. Nobody is going to cite you for being out of uniform are they?

"Tux" - Black tie, white tie? Google etiquette sites and see what they say. A "tux" may not be appropriate.

Me, I'd wear full Highland dress.

Try starting on the lapel and if they overlap off the lapel to the right a bit, so be it. Like my friend Phillip does on his when he takes his wife out in civilian rig...

You are wearing your minis as two rows of five, correct?

The bottom row would be centered on the lapel 3-inches below the notch. Is the lapel too narrow for two rows of five?

+++http://www.blacktieguide.com/Supplemental/Decorations.htm

You might find this link helpful.

Thanks for the ideas -- good stuff. Yes the lapel is too narrow for two rows of 5 each as described in the Uniform Manual. From the links that you sent I noticed examples of one row of ten, either extending beyond the lapel or all on the pocket area.