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Category: Post-WW2 Medals

The Vietnam Gallantry Cross (South Vietnam)

All military personnel of all branches were awarded the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry if they had served in Vietnam between 1961 and 1973.

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

In addition, according to DAGO 8, 1974, the Vietnam Gallantry Cross, Unit Citation with Palm was awarded to Headquarters U.S. Military Assistance Command (MACV) and all subordinate units during February 8, 1962 to March 28, 1973. This meant that all 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 French Croix de Guerre, the medal demonstrates South Vietnam’s gratitude to the American and Allied soldiers who 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 the Medal of Honor and 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 the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal to 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.  

he Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross was awarded in four degrees:

  • Gallantry Cross with Palm: cited at the Armed Forces level.
  • Gallantry Cross with Gold Star: cited at the Corps level.
  • Gallantry Cross with Silver Star: cited at the Division level.
  • Gallantry Cross with Bronze Star: cited at the Regiment or Brigade level.

The Gallantry Cross Medal Design

The medal is gold in color, and 35 mm wide. It consists of a Celtic cross with two crossed swords between the arms. The cross is superimposed over a wreath. The center of the cross contains a disc with the outline of the country of Vietnam between two palm branches joined at the bottom. A scroll is on top of the map and is inscribed “QUOC-GIA LAO-TUONG” (Reward of the State).

The suspension ribbon of the medal is 35 mm wide and is made up of the following stripes: 9 mm of Old Glory Red; 17 mm center stripe in Golden Yellow. The center stripe has sixteen strands of Old Glory Red; and 9 mm of Old Glory Red.

The Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal

The Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal is a military decoration issued to American troops who aided South Vietnam in a conflict.

The Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal is a military decoration issued to American troops who aided South Vietnam in a conflict. First introduced during the First 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, 1973 or 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.

The Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal Design

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.

Its design helps 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 is made of a gold-colored metal in the shape of a 36 mm wide 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.

On the reverse of the medal is a circle bearing the inscription Chiến Dịch (Campaign) above and Bội Tinh (Medal) below the word VIET-NAM in the center. The suspension ribbon and service ribbon of the medal is green (to represent freedom) with three vertical white (to represent purity) stripes.

The Vietnam Service Medal

Authorized by executive order in 1965, the Vietnam Service Medal is a U.S. medal to honor service members who served in SE Asia.

Authorized by executive order in 1965, the Vietnam Service Medal is a U.S. medal to honor service members who served in Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and/or Thailand from 1965 to 1973 for 30 consecutive or 60 nonconsecutive days. It was established on 8 July 1965 by order of President Lyndon B. Johnson.

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

South Vietnam also issued its own service medal for the Vietnam War, known as the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. This is a separate military award which was accepted by the U.S. Congress and the U.S. military in accordance with DoD 1348 C7. Six months of service in support of South Vietnamese military operations was the general U.S. requirement for the award.

The Vietnam Service Medal Design

The distinctive design has been attributed to both sculptor Thomas Hudson Jones, a former employee of the Army Institute of Heraldry and Mercedes Lee who created the design.

The medal is rounded and bronze shaped and measures 1 1⁄4 inches in diameter. The obverse consists of a figure of an oriental dragon (representing the subversive nature of the conflict) behind a grove of bamboo trees located above the inscription “REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM SERVICE“. On the reverse, a crossbow (representing the ancient weapon of Vietnam) facing upwards with a ready to be fired lighted torch of the Statue of Liberty, above an arched inscription “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA“.

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.

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The Prisoner of War Medal (USA)

The Prisoner of War Medal is a military award authorized by Congress and signed into law by President Ronald Reagan on 8 November 1985.

The Prisoner of War Medal is a military award of the United States Armed Forces that was authorized by Congress and signed into law by President Ronald Reagan on 8 November 1985. It is awarded to any person who was taken prisoner or held captive while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States; while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing Armed Force; or while serving with friendly forces engaged in armed conflict against an opposing Armed Force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.

The Prisoner of War Medal may be awarded to any person who was a prisoner of war after April 5, 1917 (the date of the United States’ entry into World War I was April 6). The person’s conduct, while in captivity, must have been honorable. This medal may be awarded posthumously to the surviving next of kin of the recipient. 

Due to a provision in the FY1996 National Defense Authorization Act, service secretaries are required to award the Purple Heart to any POW Medal recipients wounded in captivity. The law specified that “[a] person shall be considered to be a former prisoner of war for purposes of this section if the person is eligible for the prisoner-of-war medal under section 1128 of title 10, United States Code.”

The Prisoner of War Medal Design

The medal was designed by Jay C. Morris of the United States Army Institute of Heraldry. The activities of the institute encompass research, design, development, standardization, quality control, and other services relating to official symbolic items—seals, decorations, medals, insignia, badges, flags, and other items awarded to or authorized for official wear or display by government personnel and agencies. Limited research and information services concerning official symbolic items are also provided to the general public. The Institute of Heraldry is located at Fort Belvoir, a military installation within the metropolitan area of Washington, D.C. The staff consists of thirty-two civilians.

No more than one Prisoner of War Medal may be awarded. For any subsequent award of the medal, service stars will be awarded and worn on the suspension and service ribbon of the medal.

The Coast Guard Commendation Medal

The Coast Guard Commendation Medal is a United States military decoration presented for sustained acts of heroism or meritorious service.

The Coast Guard Commendation Medal is a mid-level United States military decoration that is presented for sustained acts of heroism or meritorious service within the Coast Gard forces. Each branch of the United States Armed Forces has its own version of this medal, with a fifth version existing for acts of joint military service performed under the Department of Defense.

The U.S. Coast Guard awards a separate Coast Guard Commendation Medal, with a ribbon similar in design to that of its Navy and Marine Corps counterparts. This was initially established as the Coast Guard Commendation Ribbon in 1947, and redesignated as the Coast Guard Commendation Medal in 1959. 

The Coast Guard Commendation Medal Design

The Commendation Medal was originally only a service ribbon awarded by the U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard (this was around 1943). In 1949, the Navy, Coast Guard, and Army Commendation ribbons were renamed the “Commendation Ribbon with Metal Pendant” and by 1960, the ribbons were authorized as full medals.

The Coast Guard Commendation Medal is gold with silver 5/16 inch stars to denote additional awards. 

Other Commendation Medals

The different versions of the Commendation Medal in the United States military are typically associated with specific branches of service. While the criteria for receiving the Commendation Medal remain similar across branches, the designs may vary to reflect the unique identity and traditions of each service.

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The Army Commendation Medal

The Army Commendation Medal is a mid-level U.S. military decoration presented for sustained acts of heroism or meritorious service.

The Army Commendation Medal is a mid-level United States military decoration that is presented for sustained acts of heroism or meritorious service. Each branch of the United States Armed Forces has its own version of this medal, with a fifth version existing for acts of joint military service performed under the Department of Defense.

The Army Commendation Medal is awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States other than General Officers who, while serving in any capacity with the U.S. Army after December 6, 1941, distinguished themselves by heroism, meritorious achievement or service. The medal can also be awarded to a member of another branch of the U.S. Armed Forces or of a friendly foreign nation who, after June 1, 1962, distinguishes themselves by an act of heroism, extraordinary achievement, or significant meritorious service which has been of mutual benefit to the friendly nation and the United States.

The Army Commendation Medal Design

The medallion of the Army Commendation Medal is a bronze hexagon, 1​3⁄8 inches wide. On the obverse of the medallion is an American bald eagle with wings spread horizontally, grasping in its talons three crossed arrows. On its breast is a shield paly of thirteen pieces and a chief.

The reverse bears a panel for naming between the words FOR MILITARY above and MERIT below, all placed above a laurel sprig. The ribbon is 1​3⁄8 inches wide, primarily of myrtle green. It is edged in white, and in the center are five thin white stripes spaced equally apart.

Devices:
  • Oak leaf cluster (for subsequent awards)
  • “V” Device (for valorous actions in direct contact with an enemy)
Combat Commendations:
 
  • “C” Device (for meritorious service or achievement under combat conditions. Unofficially called the Combat Commendation. Retroactive Awards are not authorized for medals awarded before 7 January 2016) 
  • “R” Device (for direct and immediate impact on combat operations from a remote location) 

Other Commendation Medals

The different versions of the Commendation Medal in the United States military are typically associated with specific branches of service. While the criteria for receiving the Commendation Medal remain similar across branches, the designs may vary to reflect the unique identity and traditions of each service.

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The Joint Service Commendation Medal

The Joint Service Commendation Medal is a mid-level United States military decoration presented for sustained acts of heroism or service.

The Joint Service Commendation Medal is a military decoration of the United States that is presented for meritorious service and/or sustained acts of heroism. It is a mid-level decoration, which each branch of the Armed Forces having its own version.

The medal was established on 25 June 1963. It is given in the name of the Secretary of Defense to members of the United States Armed Forces who have distinguished themselves in a joint duty capacity. The award i designed to recognize senior service and precedes server-specific Commendation Medals (therefore, it’s worn above them in the uniform).

How Many Commendation Medals Are There?

Each branch of the United States Armed Forces issues its own version of the Commendation Medal, with a fifth version existing for acts of joint military service performed under the Department of Defense. These are:

Joint Service Commendation Medal Devices

There is a Commendation Medal with “V” Device or Combat “V” given for valorous actions in direct contact with an enemy. It is of a lesser degree than the Bronze Star Medal. A “C” Device or Combat “C” was created on January 7, 2016 for wear on the service and suspension ribbon of the Commendation Medal (it’s awarded for meritorious service or achievement under arduous combat conditions; for example, when someone was personally exposed to hostile action. The Operational Distinguishing Device (or “O” device)can be worn on the Coast Guard Commendation Medal upon approval. Its Order of Precedence is following the Air Medal but before the Prisoner of War Medal and all campaign medals. 

The Joint Service Commendation Medal Design

The Commendation Medal consisted of, initially, just a service ribbon awarded to the Navy and Coast Guard (1943). In 1949, the Navy, Coast Guard, and Army Commendation ribbons were renamed to the “Commendation Ribbon with Metal Pendant,” but by 1960 the ribbons were changed into full medals.

The Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal and the Coast Guard Commendation Medal are gold, with silver 5/16 inch stars to denote additional awards.

Additional awards are denoted by bronze and silver oak leaf clusters.

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The Air Force and Space Force Commendation Medal

The Air Force & Space Force Commendation Medal is a United States military decoration presented for sustained acts of heroism and service.

The Air Force & Space Force Commendation Medal is a mid-level United States military decoration that is presented for sustained acts of heroism or meritorious service. Each branch of the United States Armed Forces has its own version of this medal, with a fifth version existing for acts of joint military service performed under the Department of Defense.

The U.S. Air Force began issuing its own Air Force Commendation Medal in 1958, with additional awards denoted by oak leaf clusters. Prior to this time, USAF recipients received the Army Commendation Medal. It was not until 1996 that the “V” device was authorized on the Air Force Commendation Medal; prior to 1996, there was not a valor distinction in effect for the Air Force Commendation Medal. On January 7, 2016, the “C” device and “R” device was authorized on the Air Force Commendation Medal as well. For USAF enlisted personnel, the Air Force Commendation Medal is worth three points under the Air Force enlisted promotion system.

The Air Force Commendation Medal is awarded to both American and foreign military personnel of any service branch in the U.S. military grade of O-6 and below, the NATO grade of OF-5 and below, or of any other Allied or Coalition nation in the grade of Colonel or equivalent or below, or the naval grade of Captain or equivalent or below, who have performed noteworthy service in any capacity with the United States Air Force.

The Air Force & Space Force Commendation Medal Design

The Air Force Commendation Medal is a bronze hexagonal medallion. On the medallion is a shield surmounted by an eagle superimposed over clouds. On the shield bears a pair of flyer’s wings and a vertical baton with an eagle’s claw at either end; behind the shield are eight lightning bolts. The design on the shield is derived from the Seal of the Department of the Air Force. The ribbon of the Air Force Commendation Medal is golden yellow with blue edges. In the center are three bands of blue, the outer stripes are thin with the center stripe being wider.

Devices:
  • Oak leaf cluster (for subsequent awards)
  • “V” device (for valorous actions in direct contact with an enemy)
  • “C” device (for meritorious service in direct contact with an enemy)
  • “R” device (for employment of a remote weapon system during military operations)

Other Commendation Medals

The different versions of the Commendation Medal in the United States military are typically associated with specific branches of service. While the criteria for receiving the Commendation Medal remain similar across branches, the designs may vary to reflect the unique identity and traditions of each service.

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The Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medal

The Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medal is a United States military decoration presented for sustained acts of heroism and service.

The Commendation Medal is a mid-level United States military decoration that is presented for sustained acts of heroism or meritorious service. Each branch of the United States Armed Forces has its own version of this medal, with a fifth version existing for acts of joint military service performed under the Department of Defense.

After the First World War, the Department of the Navy authorized the Navy Commendation Star, a ribbon device to be placed on the World War I Victory Medal. An independent Navy Commendation Ribbon was established in November 1943. On 22 March 1950 a metal pendant (of the same design as the pendant of the Army Commendation Medal) was authorized and the Commendation Ribbon was renamed the Navy Commendation Ribbon with Metal Pendant. This award was re-designated as the Navy Commendation Medal in September 1960, and renamed the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal in 1994.

In contrast to the Army and the Air Force, in the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal has historically considered its commendation medal to be a higher level and less frequently awarded decoration.

The Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medal Design

The Commendation Medal was originally only a service ribbon and was first awarded by the U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard in 1943. An Army Commendation Ribbon followed in 1945, and in 1949, the Navy, Coast Guard, and Army Commendation ribbons were renamed the “Commendation Ribbon with Metal Pendant”. By 1960, the Commendation Ribbons had been authorized as full medals and were subsequently referred to as Commendation Medals.

Additional awards of the Army and Air Force Commendation Medals are denoted by bronze and silver oak leaf clusters. The Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal and Coast Guard Commendation Medal are authorized gold and silver 5/16 inch stars to denote additional awards. The Operational Distinguishing Device (“O” device) is authorized for wear on the Coast Guard Commendation Medal upon approval of the awarding authority. Order of Precedence is following the Air Medal but before the Prisoner of War Medal and all campaign medals. Each of the military services also awards separate Achievement Medals which are below the Commendation Medals in precedence.

Other Commendation Medals

The different versions of the Commendation Medal in the United States military are typically associated with specific branches of service. While the criteria for receiving the Commendation Medal remain similar across branches, the designs may vary to reflect the unique identity and traditions of each service.

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The British Red Cross Badge of Honor

The British Red Cross Badge of Honor was instituted in 1958 and given to people who show exceptional service to the British Red Cross.

The British Red Cross Badge of Honour was instituted in 1958. It’s an award badge given to people who show exceptional service to the British Red Cross.

The Badge has 3 classes:

  • Class 1 “Badge of Honour for Devoted Service”
  • Class 2 “Badge of Honour for Distinguished Service”
  • Class 3 “Queens Badge of Honour”

Badge of Honour for Devoted Service

The award is given to volunteers and staff who have given devoted service to the Society. The Badge is accompanied by a Certificate, which is signed by the Chairman of the Board. The criteria for this award will include the demonstration of service above and beyond the call of duty and actions showing the nominee’s personal involvement and commitment over a longer period of time, furthermore, the recipient’s actions should include devoted and consistent service, showing loyalty and dependability, as well as a certain amount of self-sacrifice and determination.

As a general rule, a minimum period of five years of service should have been completed before receiving this award. Exceptional circumstances may arise when it would be acceptable to make the award sooner.

Badge of Honour for Distinguished Service

The award is given to volunteers and staff for distinguished or exceptional service to the Society. The Badge is accompanied by a Certificate, which is signed by the Chairman of the Board. The recipient should have shown an element of self-sacrifice in time and effort, and should also have demonstrated the ability to initiate innovative ideas, maintain enthusiasm and expand training and service to the community.

Queen’s Badge of Honour

This award may be awarded to any person by the Trustees, with the approval of The President of the Society, His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, for exceptional service of the highest order to the Society or to the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. The award is accompanied by a certificate, which is signed by The President. The award is limited to thirty holders at any one time.

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