Republic of Vietnam Medals

[Guest Darrell]

I've decided to start a thread on this seldom touched upon subject. The following are some of the Republic of Vietnam Medals in my collection. While the majority are US manufactured, they still represent a time that many still feel should have never happened.

[Guest Darrell]

1. RVN Wound Medal (French-Vietnam Made):

Instituted: 1953

Criteria: For military personnel who had been wounded in action and to government officials wounded in the line of duty by the enemy or rebels

Obverse:

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Reverse:

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2. Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces Honor Medal 1st Class:

Instituted: 1953

Criteria: Awarded for contributions to the formation and organization of the Armed Forces and the training of troops and technical cadres of the various branches.

Notes: Intended for non-combat achievements. 1st Class medal was for officers.

Obverse:

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Reverse,

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3. Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces Honor Medal 2nd Class:

Instituted: 1953

Criteria: Awarded for contributions to the formation and organization of the Armed Forces and the training of troops and technical cadres of the various branches.

Notes: Intended for non-combat achievements. 2nd Class medal was for NCOs and enlisted men.

Obverse:

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Reverse.

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4. Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross (w-Bronze Leaf):

Instituted: 1950

Criteria: Awarded for valor and heroic conduct while fighting the enemy.

Notes: Palm device is citation for unit awards & for medal award at Army or higher level.

Obverse:

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Reverse;

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5. Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal (w-1960- Bar):

Instituted: 1966

Dates: 1965-1973

Criteria: 6 months service in the Republic of Vietnam between 1965 and 1973 or if wounded, captured or killed in action during 1965-1973.

Notes: Bar inscribed 1960- is the only authorized version.

Obverse:

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Reverse'

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6. Republic of Vietnam Lifesaving Medal:

Instituted: 1964

Criteria: Awarded for extreme bravery in risking life to rescue other people in distress.

Notes: This was for civilians as well as military personnel. Australians who received this award were allowed to wear it in uniform.

Obverse:

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7. Republic of Vietnam Special Service Medal:

Instituted: 1964

Criteria: For military personnel, government employees and civilians who distinguished themselves in extraordinary deeds or accomplished an important mission that involved risk of life and required exceptional fortitude and agressiveness - generally of cladestine nature.

Notes: This was intended as a reward for "spooky" missions, and probably was never authorized by US authorities for receipt and wear.

Obverse:

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8. RVN - Civil Actions Medal 1st Class:

Instituted: 1964

Criteria: For outstanding achievements in the field of civic action.

Notes: First Class medal is for officers. It is occasionally referred to as the Civil Actions Medal.

Obverse:

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9. RVN - Civil Actions Medal 2nd Class:

Dates: 1964

Criteria: For outstanding achievements in the field of civic action.

Notes: Second Class medal is for NCOs and enlisted men. It is occasionally referred to as the Civil Actions Medal. Ribbon is the same as the 1st Class but without the two thread-like red stripes in center.

Obverse:

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10. Vietnam Service Medal:

Awarded to all members of the Armed Forces of the United States serving in Vietnam and contiguous waters or airspace thereover, after 3 July 1965 through 28 March 1973. Members of the Armed Forces of the United States in Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia, or the airspace thereover, during the same period and serving in direct support of operations in Vietnam are also eligible for this award. To be eligible for award of the medal, individual must- -

(1) Be attached to or regularly serve for one or more days with an organization participating in or directly supporting military operations; or

(2) Be attached to or regularly serve for one or more days aboard a naval vessel directly supporting military operations; or

(3) Actually participate as a crewmember in one or more aerial flights into airspace above Vietnam and contiguous waters directly supporting military operations; or

(4) Serve on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 nonconsecutive days in Vietnam or contiguous areas, except that the time limit may be waived for personnel participating in actual combat operations.

b. Individuals qualified for the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for service in Vietnam between 1 July 1958 and 3 July 1965 shall remain qualified for the medal. Upon request, the individual may be awarded the Vietnam Service Medal in lieu of the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. In such instances, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal will be deleted from the list of authorized medals in the individual?s personnel records. No person shall be entitled to both awards for Vietnam Service.

c. Airmen receiving the Vietnam Service Medal are authorized to wear a bronze star to indicate each campaign. There are 17 designated campaigns during the period of 15 March 1962 through 28 January 1973. Units which receive campaign credit for any of the campaigns would display a streamer with inscription as shown on the unit's lineage and honors. The designated campaigns are:

Vietnam Advisory 1962-1965

Vietnam Defense 1965

Vietnam Counteroffensive 1965-1966

Vietnam Phase II 1966 - 1967

Vietnam Counteroffensive Phase III 1967-1968

Tet Counteroffensive 1968

Vietnam Counteroffensive Phase IV 1968

Vietnam Counteroffensive Phase V 1968

Vietnam Counteroffensive Phase VI 1968-1969

Tet 69 Counteroffensive 1969

Vietnam Summer-Fall 1969

Vietnam Winter-Spring 1970

Sanctuary Counteroffensive 1970

Vietnam Counteroffensive Phase VII 1970-1971

Consolidation I 1971

Consolidation II 1971-1972

Vietnam Cease-Fire 1972-1973

Obverse:

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11. Vietnam Merchant Marine Medal:

Authorized on 8 July 1965 to members of the United States Merchant Marines, to recognize service by officers and crews aboard U.S. flag vessels which operated in Vietnamese waters between 4 July 1965 and 15 August 1973.

Obverse:

Edited September 15, 2006 by Darrell

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12. Vietnam Civilian Service Medal:

The Civilian Vietnam Service Medal is awarded to civilians who, between July 4, 1965 and March 28, 1973, served in Vietnam and the contiguous waters and airspace, in Thailand, Laos or Cambodia or airspace in direct support of military operations in Vietnam.

Obverse:

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