The Largest List of Military Medals is on the link below. You do not have to purchase from that web site when you are researching for a particular medal. It helps if you know if the medal was issued to someone in a certain military branch because they list all the medals for each branch of the military.
One can purchase army ribbons from different local stores that sell military equipment. Alternatively, one can purchase from online retailers such as Medals of America and Military Ribbons.
Each military branch will be slightly different; the US Army alone has over 60 medals (we always wear the ribbons in place of the medals-more practical/most veterans place the medals themselves in a display case). See AR 670-2 (Army Regulations) and/or go to: US Military Ribbon/Medal Order of Display and Wear.
Medals of America does not sell patches, only medals and military ribbons. Other patches from similar manufactures can be had in the price range of $3-$8.
medals ribbons
There are several websites. If you know what medal the ribbon represents, go to that medal's website. Some sites have a chart of all US military medals and ribbons.
For dress uniforms, medals always go on the left breast, ribbons on the right breast.
In US military, there are two ways ribbons are awarded. First, in a "personal decoration" like the Medal of Honor, the Distinguished Service Cross, Purple Heart, etc., the medal and ribbon is awarded as a set (Medal and ribbon), as Medals are not worn on "duty uniforms". Second, many ribbons are awarded for personal achievement or duty where a medal is not awarded, such as professional development schools like NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon
The EIB and the CIB are both military designations. When they have been earned, they can be worn. There is a limitation to the number of medals or ribbons that can be worn on a uniform.
you where the ribbons on the left side pocket 1/4 above the pocket
Rack builders build ribbon racks for military personnel. Different sectors of the military have different rack sets because different medals and ribbons are awarded.
That is a term that refers to the ribbons worn by soldiers on their uniform above the LEFT pockect. These ribbons represent various Medals earned by the soldier. Some Medals are earned for bravery in combat, some are for serving in campaigns or Wars and some are issued in recognition. So, the term "combat" may refer just to the medals earned in war but not necessarily. Another slang word for the variety of colorful ribbons is "salad".