Ross T. Dwyer
Encyclopedia
Ross T. Dwyer is a United States Marine Corps
major general who retired in 1974 after over 32 years of service. MajGen Dwyer served in combat in World War II
, the Korean War
, and in the Vietnam War
. His commands included the 5th Marine Division and the 1st Marine Division.
on July 20, 1919. He graduated from high school in Honolulu in 1937. He studied economics
at Stanford University
where he was a member of the Chi Psi
fraternity, earning his Bachelor of Arts
degree in 1942. In 1941, while at Stanford, he joined the United States Marine Corps Reserve. He was commissioned a Marine Corps second lieutenant on September 26, 1942.
, Dwyer served as a 5-inch battery and machine gun
officer with the Marine Detachment aboard the USS South Dakota
in both the European Theater of Operations
and the Pacific Theater
, participating in four major naval campaigns. After his sea duty, he became a tank
instructor at Camp Pendleton
, California
.
of the Marine Barracks, Naval Air Station (NAS) Kaneohe Bay and then at the Naval Air Facility (NAF) Johnson Islands (Pacific Ocean). He next served briefly with the 2nd Marines
as a company commander.
In February 1948, he entered the Amphibious Warfare
School, Junior Course, Marine Corps Schools, Ouantico
, Virginia. Upon graduation in August 1948, he joined the 2nd Marine Division where he served consecutively as a company commander with the 8th Marines and 6th Marines; as Officer in Charge (OIC), Division NCO
School; S-3, 2nd Battalion, 6th Marines
; and S-3, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines
. He was promoted to major in January 1951, and was transferred to Headquarters Marine Corps
in June of that year where he served as Head, Enlisted Promotion Section, Personnel Department.
, he served as Executive officer
(XO) of the USMC Advisory Groupto the 1st Korean Marine Corps
Regiment; As S-3, 5th Marines; Assistant G-3 (Ops) and Assistant G-3 (Plans) for the 1st Marine Division.
. In December 1955, he was promoted to lieutenant colonel.
From 1955 to 1958, Dwyer served as an instructor at Marine Corps Schools, Ouantico, followed by a tour of duty in London
on the staff of CINCNELM/CINCUSNAVEUR
, After attending the Armed Forces Staff College
, he joined the 2nd Marine Division and assumed command of the 2nd Battalion, 6th Marines
as Assistant Force Marine Officer, Amphibious Plans and Operations Officer. While in this assignment he participated in contingency operations in Lebanon
in 1958
. He was deployed to the U.S. 6th Fleet as Commander, Task Force 62 (Landing Force) and later was deployed as the Commanding officer, Battalion Landing Team (BLT) 2/6 during the Cuban contingency operations
.
In December 1962, LtCol Dwyer became Asst G-1 of the 2nd Marine Division. Ordered overseas in June 1963, he joined the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing
(1st MAW) in Japan as Assistant G-1, later becoming G-1. While serving in this capacity, he was promoted to colonel in July 1964.
He returned to U.S. in July 1964. From September 1, 1964 to late January 1965, was assigned as Head, Western Region Team, Joint Plans Group, DC/s, Plans and Programs, at Headquarters Marine Corps. From February 1965 to June 1967, Dwyer served as USMC Aide to the Secretary of the Navy (SecNav). In May 1968, Col Dwyer graduated from the National War College
, Washington, D.C.
.
, and was assigned as the CO, 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division (Reinforced), FMF
. He was promoted to brigadier general on August 14, 1968, and subsequently served as Assistant Division Commander, 1st Marine Division; Commanding General (CG) Task Force Yankee, 1st Marine Division; and finally as G-3, III Marine Amphibious Force
.
On April 30, 1971, Dwyer became Commanding General 1st Marine Division at Camp Pendleton, California and also assumed additional duties as Commanding General I Marine Amphibious Force. BGen Dwyer was promoted to major general in August 1971.
After leaving the 1st Marine Division on August 10, 1972, he served as Deputy Director, Joint Staff, Joint Chiefs of Staff, Washington, D.C., until February 1973, when he became Deputy Commander, Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic. He received a second gold star in lieu of a third award of the Legion of Merit upon his retirement on September 1, 1974.
Major General Ross T. Dwyer died on October 8, 2001 at the age of 82.
United States Marine Corps
The United States Marine Corps is a branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for providing power projection from the sea, using the mobility of the United States Navy to deliver combined-arms task forces rapidly. It is one of seven uniformed services of the United States...
major general who retired in 1974 after over 32 years of service. MajGen Dwyer served in combat in World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, the Korean War
Korean War
The Korean War was a conventional war between South Korea, supported by the United Nations, and North Korea, supported by the People's Republic of China , with military material aid from the Soviet Union...
, and in the Vietnam War
Vietnam War
The Vietnam War was a Cold War-era military conflict that occurred in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia from 1 November 1955 to the fall of Saigon on 30 April 1975. This war followed the First Indochina War and was fought between North Vietnam, supported by its communist allies, and the government of...
. His commands included the 5th Marine Division and the 1st Marine Division.
Biography
Ross T. Dwyer was born in Honolulu, HawaiiHonolulu, Hawaii
Honolulu is the capital and the most populous city of the U.S. state of Hawaii. Honolulu is the southernmost major U.S. city. Although the name "Honolulu" refers to the urban area on the southeastern shore of the island of Oahu, the city and county government are consolidated as the City and...
on July 20, 1919. He graduated from high school in Honolulu in 1937. He studied economics
Economics
Economics is the social science that analyzes the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. The term economics comes from the Ancient Greek from + , hence "rules of the house"...
at Stanford University
Stanford University
The Leland Stanford Junior University, commonly referred to as Stanford University or Stanford, is a private research university on an campus located near Palo Alto, California. It is situated in the northwestern Santa Clara Valley on the San Francisco Peninsula, approximately northwest of San...
where he was a member of the Chi Psi
Chi Psi
Chi Psi Fraternity is a fraternity and secret society consisting of 29 active chapters at American colleges and universities. It was founded on Thursday May 20, 1841, by 10 students at Union College with the idea of emphasizing the fraternal and social principles of a brotherhood...
fraternity, earning his Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Arts
A Bachelor of Arts , from the Latin artium baccalaureus, is a bachelor's degree awarded for an undergraduate course or program in either the liberal arts, the sciences, or both...
degree in 1942. In 1941, while at Stanford, he joined the United States Marine Corps Reserve. He was commissioned a Marine Corps second lieutenant on September 26, 1942.
World War II
During World War IIWorld War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, Dwyer served as a 5-inch battery and machine gun
Machine gun
A machine gun is a fully automatic mounted or portable firearm, usually designed to fire rounds in quick succession from an ammunition belt or large-capacity magazine, typically at a rate of several hundred rounds per minute....
officer with the Marine Detachment aboard the USS South Dakota
USS South Dakota (BB-57)
USS South Dakota was a battleship in the United States Navy from 1942 until 1947. The lead ship of her class, South Dakota was the third ship of the US Navy to be named in honor of the 40th state. During World War II, she first served in a fifteen-month tour in the Pacific theater, where she saw...
in both the European Theater of Operations
European Theater of Operations
The European Theater of Operations, United States Army was a United States Army formation which directed U.S. Army operations in parts of Europe from 1942 to 1945. It referred to Army Ground Forces, United States Army Air Forces, and Army Service Forces operations north of Italy and the...
and the Pacific Theater
Pacific Ocean theater of World War II
The Pacific Ocean theatre was one of four major naval theatres of war of World War II, which pitted the forces of Japan against those of the United States, the British Commonwealth, the Netherlands and France....
, participating in four major naval campaigns. After his sea duty, he became a tank
Tank
A tank is a tracked, armoured fighting vehicle designed for front-line combat which combines operational mobility, tactical offensive, and defensive capabilities...
instructor at Camp Pendleton
Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton
Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton is the major West Coast base of the United States Marine Corps and serves as its prime amphibious training base...
, California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
.
Post-war
Immediately following the war, Dwyer returned to Hawaii as the commanding officerCommanding officer
The commanding officer is the officer in command of a military unit. Typically, the commanding officer has ultimate authority over the unit, and is usually given wide latitude to run the unit as he sees fit, within the bounds of military law...
of the Marine Barracks, Naval Air Station (NAS) Kaneohe Bay and then at the Naval Air Facility (NAF) Johnson Islands (Pacific Ocean). He next served briefly with the 2nd Marines
U.S. 2nd Marine Regiment
The 2nd Marine Regiment is an infantry regiment of the United States Marine Corps. They are based at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina and fall under the command of the 2nd Marine Division and the II Marine Expeditionary Force.-Current units:...
as a company commander.
In February 1948, he entered the Amphibious Warfare
Amphibious warfare
Amphibious warfare is the use of naval firepower, logistics and strategy to project military power ashore. In previous eras it stood as the primary method of delivering troops to non-contiguous enemy-held terrain...
School, Junior Course, Marine Corps Schools, Ouantico
Marine Corps Base Quantico
Marine Corps Base Quantico, sometimes abbreviated MCB Quantico, is a major United States Marine Corps training base located near Triangle, Virginia, covering nearly in southern Prince William County, northern Stafford County, and southeastern Fauquier County...
, Virginia. Upon graduation in August 1948, he joined the 2nd Marine Division where he served consecutively as a company commander with the 8th Marines and 6th Marines; as Officer in Charge (OIC), Division NCO
Non-commissioned officer
A non-commissioned officer , called a sub-officer in some countries, is a military officer who has not been given a commission...
School; S-3, 2nd Battalion, 6th Marines
2nd Battalion 6th Marines
2nd Battalion, 6th Marines is an infantry battalion in the United States Marine Corps based out of Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Also known as "The Ready Battalion" or "2/6 Spartans", it consists of approximately 800 Marines and Sailors and falls under the command of the 6th Marine Regiment and...
; and S-3, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines
2nd Battalion 8th Marines
2nd Battalion, 8th Marines is an infantry battalion in the United States Marine Corps based out of Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina consisting of approximately 900 Marines and Sailors...
. He was promoted to major in January 1951, and was transferred to Headquarters Marine Corps
Headquarters Marine Corps
Headquarters Marine Corps is a headquarters staff within the Department of the Navy which includes the offices of the Commandant of the Marine Corps, the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps and various staff functions...
in June of that year where he served as Head, Enlisted Promotion Section, Personnel Department.
Korean War
In September 1952, Dwyer was ordered to Korea. During the Korean WarKorean War
The Korean War was a conventional war between South Korea, supported by the United Nations, and North Korea, supported by the People's Republic of China , with military material aid from the Soviet Union...
, he served as Executive officer
Executive officer
An executive officer is generally a person responsible for running an organization, although the exact nature of the role varies depending on the organization.-Administrative law:...
(XO) of the USMC Advisory Groupto the 1st Korean Marine Corps
Republic of Korea Marine Corps
The Republic of Korea Marine Corps is the marine corps of the Republic of Korea...
Regiment; As S-3, 5th Marines; Assistant G-3 (Ops) and Assistant G-3 (Plans) for the 1st Marine Division.
After Korea
Dwyer returned to the States in August 1953 and served for two years as an aide to the Joint Chiefs of StaffJoint Chiefs of Staff
The Joint Chiefs of Staff is a body of senior uniformed leaders in the United States Department of Defense who advise the Secretary of Defense, the Homeland Security Council, the National Security Council and the President on military matters...
. In December 1955, he was promoted to lieutenant colonel.
From 1955 to 1958, Dwyer served as an instructor at Marine Corps Schools, Ouantico, followed by a tour of duty in London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
on the staff of CINCNELM/CINCUSNAVEUR
United States Naval Forces Europe
United States Naval Forces Europe is the United States Navy component of the United States European Command and provides forces for United States African Command....
, After attending the Armed Forces Staff College
Joint Forces Staff College
The Joint Forces Staff College located in Norfolk, Virginia, was established as the Armed Forces Staff College in 1946 and incorporated into the National Defense University in August 1981. It educates and acculturates joint and multinational warfighters to plan and lead at the operational level...
, he joined the 2nd Marine Division and assumed command of the 2nd Battalion, 6th Marines
2nd Battalion 6th Marines
2nd Battalion, 6th Marines is an infantry battalion in the United States Marine Corps based out of Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Also known as "The Ready Battalion" or "2/6 Spartans", it consists of approximately 800 Marines and Sailors and falls under the command of the 6th Marine Regiment and...
as Assistant Force Marine Officer, Amphibious Plans and Operations Officer. While in this assignment he participated in contingency operations in Lebanon
Lebanon
Lebanon , officially the Republic of LebanonRepublic of Lebanon is the most common term used by Lebanese government agencies. The term Lebanese Republic, a literal translation of the official Arabic and French names that is not used in today's world. Arabic is the most common language spoken among...
in 1958
Lebanon crisis of 1958
The 1958 Lebanon crisis was a Lebanese political crisis caused by political and religious tensions in the country. It included a U.S. military intervention.-Background:...
. He was deployed to the U.S. 6th Fleet as Commander, Task Force 62 (Landing Force) and later was deployed as the Commanding officer, Battalion Landing Team (BLT) 2/6 during the Cuban contingency operations
Cuban Missile Crisis
The Cuban Missile Crisis was a confrontation among the Soviet Union, Cuba and the United States in October 1962, during the Cold War...
.
In December 1962, LtCol Dwyer became Asst G-1 of the 2nd Marine Division. Ordered overseas in June 1963, he joined the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing
1st Marine Aircraft Wing
The 1st Marine Aircraft Wing is an aviation unit of the United States Marine Corps that serves as the Aviation Combat Element of the III Marine Expeditionary Force. The wing is headquartered at Camp Foster on the island of Okinawa, Japan...
(1st MAW) in Japan as Assistant G-1, later becoming G-1. While serving in this capacity, he was promoted to colonel in July 1964.
He returned to U.S. in July 1964. From September 1, 1964 to late January 1965, was assigned as Head, Western Region Team, Joint Plans Group, DC/s, Plans and Programs, at Headquarters Marine Corps. From February 1965 to June 1967, Dwyer served as USMC Aide to the Secretary of the Navy (SecNav). In May 1968, Col Dwyer graduated from the National War College
National War College
The National War College of the United States is a school in the National Defense University. It is housed in Roosevelt Hall on Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C., the third-oldest Army post still active. It was officially established on July 1, 1946, as an upgraded replacement for the...
, Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., formally the District of Columbia and commonly referred to as Washington, "the District", or simply D.C., is the capital of the United States. On July 16, 1790, the United States Congress approved the creation of a permanent national capital as permitted by the U.S. Constitution....
.
Vietnam War
In June 1968, Dwyer reported to the Republic of VietnamSouth Vietnam
South Vietnam was a state which governed southern Vietnam until 1975. It received international recognition in 1950 as the "State of Vietnam" and later as the "Republic of Vietnam" . Its capital was Saigon...
, and was assigned as the CO, 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division (Reinforced), FMF
Fleet Marine Force
The United States Fleet Marine Forces are combined general and special purpose forces within the United States Department of the Navy that are designed in engaging offensive amphibious or expeditionary warfare and defensive maritime employment...
. He was promoted to brigadier general on August 14, 1968, and subsequently served as Assistant Division Commander, 1st Marine Division; Commanding General (CG) Task Force Yankee, 1st Marine Division; and finally as G-3, III Marine Amphibious Force
III Marine Expeditionary Force
The III Marine Expeditionary Force is a Marine Air-Ground Task Force of the United States Marine Corps that is forward-deployed and able to deploy rapidly and conduct operations across the spectrum from humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to amphibious assault and high intensity combat. III...
.
Post-Vietnam
Following his return to the States in late June 1969, Dwyer commanded the 5th Marine Division until it was deactivated in December 1969. He then commanded the 5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade, which was redesignated the 5th Marine Amphibious Brigade on September 1, 1967.On April 30, 1971, Dwyer became Commanding General 1st Marine Division at Camp Pendleton, California and also assumed additional duties as Commanding General I Marine Amphibious Force. BGen Dwyer was promoted to major general in August 1971.
After leaving the 1st Marine Division on August 10, 1972, he served as Deputy Director, Joint Staff, Joint Chiefs of Staff, Washington, D.C., until February 1973, when he became Deputy Commander, Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic. He received a second gold star in lieu of a third award of the Legion of Merit upon his retirement on September 1, 1974.
Major General Ross T. Dwyer died on October 8, 2001 at the age of 82.
Awards
His personal decorations include:| 1st Row | Navy Distinguished Service Medal Navy Distinguished Service Medal The Navy Distinguished Service Medal is a military award of the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps which was first created in 1919. The decoration is the Navy and Marine Corps equivalent to the Army Distinguished Service Medal, the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, and the Coast... |
Legion of Merit Legion of Merit The Legion of Merit is a military decoration of the United States armed forces that is awarded for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements... w/ 2 award star Award star An award star is a decoration issued to personnel of the United States Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard in lieu of multiple awards of the same award. An award star is very similar to an oak leaf cluster, which serves the same purpose in the United States Army and United States Air Force... s |
Bronze Star Bronze Star Medal The Bronze Star Medal is a United States Armed Forces individual military decoration that may be awarded for bravery, acts of merit, or meritorious service. As a medal it is awarded for merit, and with the "V" for valor device it is awarded for heroism. It is the fourth-highest combat award of the... w/ valor device Valor device The Valor device is an award of the United States military which is a bronze attachment to certain medals to indicate that it was received for valor... |
Joint Service Commendation Medal Commendation Medal The Commendation Medal is a mid-level United States military decoration which is presented for sustained acts of heroism or meritorious service. For valorous actions in direct contact with an enemy force, but of a lesser degree than required for the award of the Bronze Star, the Valor device may... |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2nd Row | Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medal Commendation Medal The Commendation Medal is a mid-level United States military decoration which is presented for sustained acts of heroism or meritorious service. For valorous actions in direct contact with an enemy force, but of a lesser degree than required for the award of the Bronze Star, the Valor device may... w/ valor device |
Combat Action Ribbon Combat Action Ribbon The Combat Action Ribbon is a personal military decoration of the United States Navy, United States Marine Corps, and United States Coast Guard which is awarded to those who, in any grade including and below that of a Captain in the Navy and Coast Guard , have actively participated in ground or... |
Navy Presidential Unit Citation | Navy Unit Commendation Navy Unit Commendation The Navy Unit Commendation of the United States Navy is an award that was established by order of the Secretary of the Navy James Forrestal on 18 December 1944... |
| 3rd Row | Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation Meritorious Unit Commendation The Meritorious Unit Commendation is a mid-level unit award of the United States military which is awarded to any military command which displays exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service, heroic deeds, or valorous actions.... |
American Defense Service Medal American Defense Service Medal The American Defense Service Medal is a decoration of the United States military, recognizing service before America’s entry into the Second World War but during the initial years of the European conflict.-Criteria:... |
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal The European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal is a military decoration of the United States armed forces which was first created on November 6, 1942 by issued by President Franklin D. Roosevelt... w/ 2 service star Service star A service star, also referred to as a battle star, campaign star, or engagement star, is an attachment to a United States military decoration which denotes participation in military campaigns or multiple bestowals of the same award. Service stars are typically issued for campaign medals, service... s |
Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal is a service decoration of the Second World War which was awarded to any member of the United States military who served in the Pacific Theater from 1941 to 1945 and was created on November 6, 1942 by issued by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The medal was... w/ 2 service stars |
| 4th Row | World War II Victory Medal | Navy Occupation Service Medal Navy Occupation Service Medal The Navy Occupation Service Medal is a decoration of the United States Navy which was issued to Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard personnel who participated in the European and Asian occupation forces following the close of the World War II. The decoration was also bestowed to personnel who... |
National Defense Service Medal National Defense Service Medal The National Defense Service Medal is a military service medal of the United States military originally commissioned by President Dwight D. Eisenhower... w/ 2 service stars |
Korean Service Medal Korean Service Medal The Korean Service Medal is an award of the United States military and was created in November 1950 by executive order of President Harry Truman. The Korean Service Medal is the primary United States medal for participation in the Korean War and is awarded to any U.S. service member, who... |
| 5th Row | Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal is a military award of the United States military, which was first created in 1961 by Executive Order of President John Kennedy... |
Vietnam Service Medal Vietnam Service Medal The Vietnam Service Medal is a military award which was created in 1965 by order of President Lyndon B. Johnson. The distinctive design was the creation of sculptor Thomas Hudson Jones, a former employee of the Army Institute of Heraldry. The medal is issued to recognize military service during... w/ 2 service stars |
Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon Sea Service Ribbon A Sea Service Ribbon is an award of the United States Navy, United States Coast Guard and the United States Army which recognizes those service members who have performed military duty while stationed on a vessel at sea.... |
Navy & Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon Overseas Service Ribbon An Overseas Service Ribbon is a service military award of the United States military which recognizes those service members who have performed military tours of duty outside the borders of the United States of America. There are different versions of the Overseas Service Ribbons for the U.S. Army,... |
| 6th Row | Order of Military Merit, Chungmu Cordon Medal Order of Military Merit (Korea) The Order of Military Merit is the primary military decoration awarded by the government of Republic of Korea.-Classes of the Order:The order is divided into five classes:Notable recipients... |
National Order of Vietnam, Knight National Order of Vietnam The National Order of Vietnam was a combined military-civilian decoration of South Vietnam and was considered the highest honor that could be bestowed upon an individual by the Republic of Vietnam government.... |
Vietnam Gallantry Cross Vietnam Gallantry Cross The Vietnam Gallantry Cross was a military decoration of South Vietnam which wasestablished in August 1950. Also known as the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, the Gallantry Cross was awarded to any military personnel who have accomplished deeds of valor or displayed heroic conduct while fighting an... w/ palm |
Korean Presidential Unit Citation Presidential Unit Citation (Korea) The Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation is issued by the government of South Korea to both Korean military and foreign units. The last major issuance of the decoration was during the Korean War when the decoration was bestowed to several U.S., U.K., and Commonwealth military units... |
| 7th Row | Vietnam Gallantry Cross unit citation Vietnam Gallantry Cross The Vietnam Gallantry Cross was a military decoration of South Vietnam which wasestablished in August 1950. Also known as the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, the Gallantry Cross was awarded to any military personnel who have accomplished deeds of valor or displayed heroic conduct while fighting an... |
Vietnam Civil Actions unit citation Vietnam Civil Actions Medal The Vietnam Civil Actions Medal was a decoration of South Vietnam which was first established in 1964. The decoration is a mid-level service award which was awarded to any member of the Vietnamese military who performed outstanding civic service to the state or who participated in civil service... |
United Nations Korea Medal | Vietnam Campaign Medal Vietnam Campaign Medal The Vietnam Campaign Medal is a military recognition awarded by the Republic of Vietnam, , to any member of the United States, Australian, New Zealand and allied military forces serving six months or more in support of Republic of Vietnam military operations.Established in 1966, the decoration is... |