What Makes Vietnam War Medals Especially Unique - Identify Medals (2024)

Authorized by executive order in 1965, theVietnam Service Medalis a U.S. medal tohonor service members who served in Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and/or Thailand from 1965 to 1973for 30 consecutive or 60 nonconsecutive days.

The colors of the ribbon are green, yellow, and red, which represents the flag of the Republic of Vietnam at the time—yellow with red stripes running horizontally—and the green Vietnamese jungles. In addition, the three red stripes indicate the three ancient empires of Vietnam Tonkin, Annam, and Cochin China.

For those who participated in campaigns like theTet counteroffensivein 1968 and the air offensive phases from 1966 to 1969, bronze stars on mounted on the ribbon for participation.

In addition to the U.S. medal, theRepublic of Vietnam Campaign Medalis a foreign award, meaninga military decoration or award issued to American troops who aided that country in conflict. First introduced during theFirst Indochina War, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal was authorized for wear on American service members as of December 1966 for their service in Vietnam.

In order to receive this medal,military members must have served in the Republic of Vietnam for six months between March 1, 1961 and March 28, 1973or served outside Vietnam but gave combat support for six months or served less than six months but was wounded, captured and escaped enemy forces, or was killed in action.

What’s unique about the medal is that it comes with a default device, known as the 1960 device.It reads, “1960-”. Because they were produced and awarded during the war, it reads the start date of the conflict, but no end date was added.

Finally, its designhelps to tell the story of the Vietnam War with the colors of the medal—green and white—to represent freedom and purity respectively. In addition, the medallion has a six pointed white enamel star, six golden rays between each point in the star, and a map of Vietnam in the center of the medallion. The putative red flames on the map represent the locations of the war.

Under the Department of the Army General Order (DAGO) 43, 1970,all military personnel of all branches were awarded theVietnam Cross of Gallantryif they had served in Vietnam between March 1, 1961 and March 28, 1973.

In addition, according to DAGO 8, 1974, theVietnam Gallantry Cross, Unit Citation with Palmwas awarded to Headquarters U.S. Military Assistance Command (MACV) and all subordinate units during February 8, 1962 to March 28, 1973. This meant thatall military personnel who were assigned to units that served in-country Vietnam during this period were considered as assigned to MACV, regardless of service or component.

In other words, the Republic of Vietnam authorized this award for all foreign military personnel and units for valorous achievement and participation during the Vietnam War. Equivalent to the FrenchCroix de Guerre, the medal demonstrates South Vietnam’sgratitude to the American and Allied soldierswho worked, fought, and sacrificed themselves for the freedom of the Republic of Vietnam.

In closing, the Vietnam War has always been a touchy subject.Since the war was quite unpopular, many veterans were not welcomed when they returned, even if they did not personally agree with the conflict.In addition, many Vietnam War vets rarely talked about their experiences during the war and their service—until somewhat recently—went undiscussed.

As a result, besides theMedal of Honorand other prestigious U.S. decorations, many individuals do not know much about the Vietnam War medals, which is unfortunate because they are especially unique.

From the unique device attached to theRepublic of Vietnam Campaign Medalto the fact that some medals were issued by a now defunct country—South Vietnam, the medals specifically connected to the Vietnam War have a distinctive story to tell.