- Time Period: Post-WW2
- Institution: 1950
- Country: South Vietnam (Other Countries), United States (awarded to)
The National Order of Vietnam (or Bảo-Quốc Huân-Chương in Vietnamese) was a military-civilian decoration created in 1950 and considered the highest honor that could be bestowed upon an individual by the Republic of Vietnam government.
The decoration was awarded to any person who performed “grandiose works, remarkable deeds, exhibited bravery, or for those who have honored and served the country by lofty virtues and outstanding knowledge.”
During the Vietnam War, the National Order of Vietnam was bestowed on several members of the United States military, most of whom were senior military and political advisors to the South Vietnamese government. The decoration could also be awarded posthumously.
The National Order was modeled after the French Legion of Honour, and issued in five degrees:
- Grand Cross;
- Grand Officer;
- Commander;
- Officer; and
- Knight.
The National Order of Vietnam Design
Both the badge and the star of the National Order of Vietnam have the same design. The ribbon, red with yellow borders, was in fact the ribbon of the former Order of the Dragon of Annam when awarded by the Emperor of Annam himself (when awarded by the French Government the ribbon was green with orange borders).
Since the National Order of Vietnam was both a civil and a military decoration, it was displayed above all other awards when worn on a military uniform.
