Vietnam Armed Forces Honor Medal
Encyclopedia
The Vietnam Armed Forces Honor Medal was a decoration of South Vietnam
that was first created in 1953. The medal was issued in two grades and reached its height of bestowals during the years of the Vietnam War
. The Vietnam Armed Forces Honor Medal was also one of the more commonly award medals to members of foreign militaries, and was frequently bestowed to members of the United States armed forces
.
The Vietnam Armed Forces Honor Medal was awarded to any member of the military who actively contributed to the formation and organization of the Vietnamese military and who actively participating in cadre training of Vietnamese units. The Vietnam Armed Forces was awarded for non-combat service only and was comparable to the United States decoration
of the Commendation Medal
.
The two grades of the Vietnam Armed Forces Honor Medal were annotated on the medal by the coloring of the medal’s ribbon. The first class grade displayed a yellow and red pattern while the second class displayed the two red patterns until the end of each side of the ribbon. Also, the stripes of the 1st class were light blue, while the stripes of the second class were greenish. The first class medal was issued to commissioned officers while the second class was bestowed upon warrant officers and enlisted personnel. In addition, the medal's medallion for the first class grade was gold while the second class was of a silver coloring.
In the modern age, the Vietnam Armed Forces Honor Medal is considered obsolete since the issuing government, that of South Vietnam, no longer exists. The medal is today only available through private dealers in military insignia.
South 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...
that was first created in 1953. The medal was issued in two grades and reached its height of bestowals during the years of 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...
. The Vietnam Armed Forces Honor Medal was also one of the more commonly award medals to members of foreign militaries, and was frequently bestowed to members of the United States armed forces
United States armed forces
The United States Armed Forces are the military forces of the United States. They consist of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard.The United States has a strong tradition of civilian control of the military...
.
The Vietnam Armed Forces Honor Medal was awarded to any member of the military who actively contributed to the formation and organization of the Vietnamese military and who actively participating in cadre training of Vietnamese units. The Vietnam Armed Forces was awarded for non-combat service only and was comparable to the United States decoration
Awards and decorations of the United States military
Awards and decorations of the United States Military are military decorations which recognize service and personal accomplishments while a member of the United States armed forces...
of the 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...
.
The two grades of the Vietnam Armed Forces Honor Medal were annotated on the medal by the coloring of the medal’s ribbon. The first class grade displayed a yellow and red pattern while the second class displayed the two red patterns until the end of each side of the ribbon. Also, the stripes of the 1st class were light blue, while the stripes of the second class were greenish. The first class medal was issued to commissioned officers while the second class was bestowed upon warrant officers and enlisted personnel. In addition, the medal's medallion for the first class grade was gold while the second class was of a silver coloring.
In the modern age, the Vietnam Armed Forces Honor Medal is considered obsolete since the issuing government, that of South Vietnam, no longer exists. The medal is today only available through private dealers in military insignia.