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Why did military advisors receive this medal?

American military advisors earned this award for their hard work helping the South Vietnamese military grow and improve. These advisors spent months teaching local soldiers new combat skills, how to use modern weapons, and how to organize their supplies. Because this training was vital to the mission, many members of groups like the Military Assistance Advisory Group were honored with this medal. It served as a way to thank them for their dedication to building a stronger force.

How many classes were available?

This decoration was split into two different classes to match the rank of the soldier. The First Class was reserved for commissioned officers who held leadership and planning roles in the training programs. The Second Class was meant for warrant officers and enlisted personnel who did the difficult hands-on work in the field. This system ensured that everyone involved in the project received the proper level of recognition for their specific job.

Can U.S. veterans wear this ribbon today?

Yes, American veterans who were given this award during their service in Vietnam are allowed to wear the ribbon today. It must be listed in their official military records to be worn on a uniform during ceremonies or special events. This ribbon is a proud reminder of their time spent working with partner forces abroad. Many veterans keep these honors to show the history of their service.

What colors make up the ribbon?

The ribbon is bright and easy to spot on a uniform because of its bold design. It features stripes of light blue and yellow running down the center part of the fabric. On the far left and far right edges, there are solid red borders that frame the pattern. These colors made the ribbon look distinct from other medals given during the war.

When was this decoration first created?

The government of South Vietnam officially created this medal on January 7, 1953. It was designed to honor the people who put in the effort to organize and modernize the country's armed forces. The award was given out during the First Indochina War and remained an important honor throughout the Vietnam War. It reflects a long history of trying to build a professional military force.

Why did military advisors receive this medal?

American military advisors earned this award for their hard work helping the South Vietnamese military grow and improve. These advisors spent months teaching local soldiers new combat skills, how to use modern weapons, and how to organize their supplies. Because this training was vital to the mission, many members of groups like the Military Assistance Advisory Group were honored with this medal. It served as a way to thank them for their dedication to building a stronger force.

How many classes were available?

This decoration was split into two different classes to match the rank of the soldier. The First Class was reserved for commissioned officers who held leadership and planning roles in the training programs. The Second Class was meant for warrant officers and enlisted personnel who did the difficult hands-on work in the field. This system ensured that everyone involved in the project received the proper level of recognition for their specific job.

Can U.S. veterans wear this ribbon today?

Yes, American veterans who were given this award during their service in Vietnam are allowed to wear the ribbon today. It must be listed in their official military records to be worn on a uniform during ceremonies or special events. This ribbon is a proud reminder of their time spent working with partner forces abroad. Many veterans keep these honors to show the history of their service.

What colors make up the ribbon?

The ribbon is bright and easy to spot on a uniform because of its bold design. It features stripes of light blue and yellow running down the center part of the fabric. On the far left and far right edges, there are solid red borders that frame the pattern. These colors made the ribbon look distinct from other medals given during the war.

When was this decoration first created?

The government of South Vietnam officially created this medal on January 7, 1953. It was designed to honor the people who put in the effort to organize and modernize the country's armed forces. The award was given out during the First Indochina War and remained an important honor throughout the Vietnam War. It reflects a long history of trying to build a professional military force.

Home Library South VietnamArmed Forces Honor Medal

Merit decoration

Armed Forces Honor Medal

A decoration honoring outstanding contributions to the training and development of the armed forces.

South Vietnam Established 1953 All servicesPrecedence: 5th in the national military hierarchy

Medals & Awards

Awarded For

Awarded for exceptional service in military training, cadre building, and armed forces modernization.

Eligibility

South Vietnamese military members and foreign military advisors assigned to training duties.

Branch

All services

Precedence

5th in the national military hierarchy

Armed Forces Honor Medal, Merit decoration, South Vietnam medal

History

The Armed Forces Honor Medal was instituted on January 7, 1953. It was created to honor personnel who made massive contributions to the organization, military training, and development of South Vietnam's military.

The medal was split into two classes. First Class was presented to commissioned officers, and Second Class was awarded to warrant officers and enlisted personnel.

This award became very common among American military advisory teams, including the Military Assistance Advisory Group (MAAG) and MACV. These advisors spent months teaching South Vietnamese units modern combat tactics and logistics.

Frequently Asked Questions

Used In

First Indochina WarVietnam War

Veterans Who Received This Award

Vietnam

National Order of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Armed Forces Honor Medal+3

Nguyen Cao Ky

Who Was Air Vice Marshal Nguyen Cao Ky?

A pilot and top leader of the South Vietnamese Air Force.

South Vietnam1964-1967

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Sources

Back to South Vietnam