Medals from Vietnam and the Vietnam War
Military Medals & Awards from the Vietnam War
The Vietnam War, which is also known as the Second Indochina War and in Vietnam as the Resistance War Against America (Kháng chiến chống Mỹ in Vietnamese) lasted from 1 November 1955 to the fall of Saigon on 30 April 1975.
The conflict was officially fought between North Vietnam and South Vietnam and is considered by some as a Cold War-era proxy war. While North Vietnam was supported by the Soviet Union, China, and other communist allies, South Vietnam was supported by the United States, South Korea, the Philippines, Australia, Thailand, and other anti-communist allies.
Some Vietnam War medals and decorations are especially unique because they were issued by South Vietnam, a country that ceased to exist after North Vietnam’s victory. You can read more about it in our article “What makes Vietnam War Medals Especially Unique“. Even so, U.S. military members who received foreign South Vietnamese decorations and medals are still authorized to wear them. The Department of Defense never created lists of individuals who received military medals during the Vietnam War except for the Medal of Honor.
Below are some of the medals, awards, and decorations issued during the Vietnam War.
Medals from Vietnam
(Awarded During the War)
These distinctions recognized the valor, sacrifice, and dedication of those who served in one of the most challenging conflicts of the 20th century. Explore the Vietnamese medals were often awarded to soldiers, officers, and civilians for various acts of bravery, service, and dedication during the conflict.
The Civil Actions Medal (South Vietnam)
The Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Medal is a military decoration awarded by the former South Vietnamese gov. during the Vietnam War.
The Vietnam Military Merit Medal
The Military Merit Medal is the highest military decoration for enlisted personnel by the Republic of Vietnam during the years of the War.
The Vietnam Distinguished Service Order
The Vietnam Distinguished Service Order was a military decoration of South Vietnam awarded throughout the years of the Vietnam War.
The National Order of Vietnam
The National Order of Vietnam was a military-civilian decoration and the highest honor that could be bestowed by the Republic of Vietnam.
The Vietnam Liberation Order
The Liberation Order Badge is a military badge given by North Vietnam during the Vietnam War and awarded for outstanding performance
The Defeat American Aggression Badge
The Defeat American Aggression Badge is a military badge established in 1965 and given during the Vietnam War by North Vietnam.
The Order of Ho Chi Minh
The Order of Ho Chi Minh is a decoration of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam that was first instituted in 1947 by president Hồ Chí Minh.
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.
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 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.
More Medals from
the Vietnam War
The National Defense Service Medal (NDSM) was established by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1953 to honor service members who served during periods of national emergency or conflict. During the Vietnam War, the NDSM was awarded to all military personnel who served on active duty between June 27, 1950, and July 27, 1954, and between January 1, 1961, and August 14, 1974.
The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (AFEM) was established by President John F. Kennedy in 1961 to recognize service members who participated in designated military operations and campaigns outside the United States. During the Vietnam War, the AFEM was awarded to military personnel who served in Vietnam and surrounding areas, including Laos and Cambodia, between July 1, 1958, and July 3, 1965.
Many other medals were also awarded during the Vietnam War. Here’s a more complete list:
The National Defense Service Medal
The National Defense Service Medal (NDSM) is a service medal of the United States Armed Forces created by President Eisenhower in 1953.
The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal is a military award of the U.S Armed Forces created in 1961 by Executive Order of President John Kennedy.
The Distinguished Flying Cross (United States)
The Distinguished Flying Cross is an American military decoration for operations by heroism or extraordinary achievement.
The Air Medal (USA)
The Air Medal is a decoration of the U.S. Armed Forces created in 1942 and awarded for single acts of heroism or meritorious achievement.
The Bronze Star Medal
The Bronze Star Medal (also known as Bronze Star) is a United States decoration awarded for heroic achievement or service in a combat zone.
The Purple Heart
The Purple Heart is a military decoration from the United States awarded to those wounded or killed while serving with the U.S. military.
The Distinguished Service Cross
The Distinguished Service Cross is the second-highest United States Army military award and is given for extreme gallantry and risk of life.
The Silver Star (USA)
The Silver Star Medal is the United States Armed Forces’s third-highest personal decoration for gallantry and valor in combat.
The Navy Cross
The Navy Cross is the United States military’s second-highest decoration and awarded to members of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard.
