Can someone wear a deceased relative's medals to honor them on a special occasion?

Q:  My father was awarded a medal during WWII. Is there a policy for my active Coastie son to [wear it] during his marriage in honor of his grandfather?

A:  Unfortunately, your son may not wear your father's decorations. 

We greatly appreciate your son and father's service to the country, but both the Coast Guard Manual and the Auxiliary manual (and applicable laws) preclude wearing on a US military uniform, awards that were not earned or awarded.