Unidentified Asian (?) Medal

[Linasl]

Greetings All,

I am not an expert in Asian medals, but I believe the one in the attached photo IS Asian. Can you please tell me from what country, what it is called and for what it was awarded? Any help would be appreciated.

Thank you. Linas

[paul wood]

South Vietnam, National Order of Vietnam, 5th Class breast badge. It was a bit of a catch all award and was modelled on the French Legion d'Honneur. I believe Ed Emering has published something oon the web relating to South Vietnamese Orders.

Hope this is of help.

Paul

[Linasl]

Hello Paul.

Thank you. Do you know from what era? Was it under French colonialism, during the war with the French, post-French, Vietnam War with US, or after. This would really help.

Also, what do you mean "a bit of a catch"? Is it rare? Please let me know.

Take care. Linas

[JBFloyd]

The National Order was created in 1950 and awarded through the end of the Republic. It was a "catch all" award in that it was awarded for military or civil merit, with very broad criteria. For example, in the early days of the US involvement in the war in Vietnam, it was commonly awarded to officers killed in action (as the Military Merit Medal was to KIA enlisted personnel).

The Vietnamese-made version is a scarce award in the collector's market. There are much more common US-made versions.

[Linasl]

Many thanks for the information Jeff.

Any way to distinguish between a Vietnamese-made version and a US one?

Thanks again. Linas