When Did AAFES Begin Selling Medals

[usmedalman]

When I joined the Army in 1978 I had already started collecting US medals and I remember being struck by the fact you could buy medals (although I don't remember anything beyond MSMs) and ribbons in the PX. In researching US campaign medal contracts I began wondering when the AAFES system began selling these. Any ideas or other information would be welcome.

[Taber10]

I don't remember the date, but late -70s or early 80s AAFES "won the contract" to operate what had been the Military Clothing Sales Stores.  Prior to that there were TWO grades of most uniform items, medals and ribbons included.  With AAFES taking over the MCSS, the "issue" items disappeared and only the "commercial" items remained.  Along with that change, AAFES in BX and PX started selling medals and ribbons which had been "issue" only.  I hope that I am remembering correctly (not positive on that!) and that this helps.