http://www.marlowwhite.com/army-awards-FAQ.html

Wear of Miniature Decorations and Service Medals

b. Miniature decorations and service medals are authorized for wear on the following uniforms.

(1) Male personnel. On the Army white and blue uniforms, the white and blue mess and evening mess uniforms; *****and on the left lapel of formal civilian attire****, when wear of Army uniforms is inappropriate or not authorized. Miniature badges are authorized for wear on the AG shade 415 shirt. (See para 29-17b for wear of combat and special skill badges with miniature medals; see paragraphs 29-17c and 29-18d for wear of combat and special skill badges on the AG shade 415 shirt.)

(2) Female personnel. On the Army white and blue uniforms; the white, all-white, black, or blue mess uniforms; the Army white, blue, or black evening mess uniforms; ******and on the left side of formal civilian attire****** when wear of Army uniforms is inappropriate or not authorized. Miniature badges are authorized for wear on the AG shade 415 shirt. (See para 29-17b for wear of combat and special skill badges with miniature medals; see paragraphs 29-17c and 29-18d for wear of combat and special skill badges on the AG shade 415 shirt.)


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Note added at 1 hr (2007-08-15 09:30:40 GMT)
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Меняю степень уверенности на высший:-). Кстати, даже в Вашем тексте:

Официально ношение фрачников не одобрялось. Что же заставляло людей за собственные деньги заказывать у ювелиров эти миниатюры?

Попробуйте погуглить miniature medals.