Start with the ribbon
Vietnam-era groups are usually easiest to identify from the ribbon. A ribbon shows the type of award and, for campaign awards, the stars that record participation. Compare the stripe pattern and the stars against a reference chart. Check whether the ribbon is sewn, pinned or loose, because a ribbon that does not match the medal beside it is worth a closer look.
The Vietnam Service Medal
The Vietnam Service Medal is a US award for service in the Vietnam area during the war. It was established in 1966 and generally covers service from 1 July 1965 to 28 March 1973. Campaign participation is shown with bronze service stars on the ribbon, so a star can show that the wearer took part in a specific campaign phase.
Check the medal’s reverse and any naming, and compare them with the service dates in the person’s records.
Vietnam Service Medal or Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal?
Readers often ask about the difference between a Vietnam service medal and a Vietnam campaign medal. The Vietnam Service Medal is a US award. The Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal is a South Vietnamese award, issued by the Republic of Vietnam to US and allied personnel who served in the country during the war. Both can appear in the same group.
Eligibility dates and criteria differ between the two, so check the award’s own rules before deciding which one applies.
Who received the Vietnam campaign medal?
US and allied personnel who served in South Vietnam during the war generally qualified for the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. Eligibility depended on the period and location of service, so check the criteria for the specific period and the person’s service record.
Other US awards from the Vietnam period
- Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal: awarded for some early operations in Vietnam, before the Vietnam Service Medal was established.
- National Defense Service Medal: awarded for service during specified periods, including parts of the Vietnam War.
- Other service medals: Vietnam-era groups often include reserve or other service medals that were earned at the same time.
Gallantry and unit awards
Vietnam-era groups can include gallantry and unit awards. The Vietnam Gallantry Cross is a South Vietnamese award for valor. Unit awards, such as the Presidential Unit Citation, are worn as ribbons by members of the unit during the period. Before you assign a unit ribbon to a person, check the unit’s history and the person’s assignments.
How many Medals of Honor were awarded for Vietnam?
About 245 Medals of Honor were awarded for service in the Vietnam War. Counts vary slightly between sources, so check the official list for any specific case. For more on how rarity is measured, see what is the most rare military medal?
Who is considered a Vietnam veteran?
“Vietnam veteran” does not have a single definition. The VA uses date ranges and locations for different benefits, including the “Vietnam era” and service in the Republic of Vietnam. Check current VA guidance for the program that applies, because the definitions can change.
Checking a named group
If a medal is named, use the name, service number and unit to check the service record. For US personnel, request the record from the National Personnel Records Center using Standard Form 180. The record can confirm the awards a person received and the dates they served.
Reproductions and mixed groups
Vietnam-era medals are widely collected, so reproductions and mixed groups are common. A group may combine medals that belonged to different people. Look at the naming, ribbons and documents before you accept a group as complete. For a practical checklist, see the guide to telling original medals from replicas.