Why does the flag patch on military uniforms appear reversed, with the stars on the right?

Sir. Thank you for your inquiry. I appreciate your recognition of my effort to share info that serves those who want to "get it right". I appreciate the thought you have put into the inquiry you've received. I see you must get a regular stream of these kinds of questions so I bet you have noticed as you research them that most of the time there is no one answer. The Flag Code leaves more things unanswered than it answers. Much of the time situations are left up to our own discretion. Also, much of the time we are left to draw a logical conclusion based on some clue the code gives to some similar situation. That is often all you can do. This is one of those times. Assuming this is for civilian use and not active duty use, I would give the exact solution you suggest. IF the question were applied to active duty military then that service branch's own military flag regs would apply. Each branch has its own regs and they often differ with each other! As regards flag patches, I agree with your solution to place the patch on the left breast with the stars in the upper left corner of the patch. Here is what the Institute of Heraldry says about patches

The following text is quoted verbatim from the FAQ section on The Institute Of Heraldry Web Site

PATCH WEAR OF THE AMERICAN FLAG PATCH. - The US Code states "no part of the flag should ever be used as a costume or athletic uniform. However, a flag patch may be affixed to the uniform of military personnel, firemen, policemen, and members of patriotic organizations. The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing. Therefore, the lapel flag pin being a replica, should be worn on the left lapel near the heart." -The US Code does not address the positioning of the flag patch. It is appropriate to wear an American flag patch on the left or right sleeve. When worn on the left sleeve, the union would appear towards the front and the stripes would run horizontally toward the back. When worn on the right sleeve, it is considered proper to reverse the design so that the union is at the observer's right to suggest that the flag is flying in the breeze as the wearer moves forward. - Since the law does not specifically address the positioning of the patch, a decision is left to the discretion of the organization prescribing the wear. As many states and cities have ordinances pertaining to the use of the flag, you may wish to contact the Attorney General of your state or the City Attorney's office regarding this matter. WEAR OF THE FLAG PATCH BY ARMY PERSONNEL. HQDA policy has been changed to authorize all soldiers throughout the force permanent wear of the full-color U.S. Flag cloth replica (approximately 2"x3") on utility uniforms. The patch is worn on BDUs, Desert BDUs, the Maternity BDU, the Cold Weather Coat (Field Jacket), Aircrew Battle Dress Uniform, and the Combat Vehicle Crewman Uniform and Jacket (Cold Weather). DA policy states that the patch will be sewn 1/2 inch below the right shoulder seam of the utility uniform. When the shoulder sleeve insignia-former wartime service (SSI-FWTS) is worn on the right shoulder of the utility uniform, the U.S. Flag insignia is placed 1/8 inch below the SSI-FWTS. The cloth replica is worn so that the star field faces forward or to the flag's own right. When worn on the right sleeve, it is considered proper to reverse the design so that the union is at the observer's right to suggest that the flag is flying in the breeze as the wearer moves forward.

Flag Patch: On non uniform garments Question: Mr. Cavalari, Thanks for the useful information on your web site. I'd like to get your opinion on an issue of flag etiquette, please. I'd like to wear a U.S. flag patch on the left breast panel of a jacket as a sign of patriotism. I'm a veteran, and current member of a patriotic organization, but the jacket is not part of an official uniform. Nor, on the other hand, is it a costume or athletic uniform. The intended wearing doesn't meet the strict language of the Code. What are your thoughts? Thanks. John

Answer: Thank you for your question. I think I contacted you but I have been behind on my e mail. Here is my take on your question. First, The Flag Code is silent on this specific matter of where to place a patch. There is no one answer. Therefore a judgment call is required. Here is what the code says: "No part of the flag should ever be used as a costume or athletic uniform. However, a flag patch may be affixed to the uniform of military personnel, firemen, policemen, and members of patriotic organizations. The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing. Therefore, the lapel flag pin being a replica, should be worn on the left lapel near the heart." (U.S. Code, Title 4, Chapter 1, Section 8(j)) The flag code does not prohibit displaying a patch on a garment. It does advise against putting one on "costumes or athletic uniforms." Your jacket is neither of those things. The Flag Code does say that a flag pin should be worn "near the heart". To my mind, a flag patch in your use use is as appropriate being worn on your left breast near your heart as would be the flag pin. A flag pin on your suit jacket is clearly appropriate under the code. It seems to me that a flag patch on your leisure jacket is similarly appropriate. Nothing in The Flag Code says you must put a patch on the shoulder of a garment. That position seems correct to us because it is the most common position. There are various military regulations which determine where the patch must go on those military uniforms. But those regulations apply only to those respective branches of the military. They differ between the different branches themselves and they may differ from those of other non military organizations such as police departments. They do not apply to civilians anyway. The Flag Code is meant specifically as a guide for civilians.