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Who was this medal meant for?

This medal was designed to honor the brave, everyday soldiers who fought on the front lines. It was meant specifically for enlisted troops and junior officers who stayed in danger. While generals often received fancy awards for their high rank, this medal recognized the hard work of the common soldier. It showed that the whole country was proud of the men doing the toughest jobs.

Did ordinary soldiers get this award?

Yes, it was a very common award given to thousands of troops starting in 1955. Many young Lao soldiers earned this honor while guarding isolated outposts or fighting in deep, remote valleys. It became a proud symbol for the infantrymen who spent long, difficult days in active combat zones. Because they were on the front lines, these brave men were the main group to receive it.

Where were these medals made?

Official medals for the army were sometimes made far away in France. However, because money for the military was often low, many soldiers could not get an official one. To solve this, soldiers often bought their own versions made by workers in local Lao shops. They wore these local medals on their uniforms with just as much pride as the official ones.

What conflicts did recipients fight in?

The soldiers who earned this medal fought during the First Indochina War and the long Laotian Civil War. These two conflicts lasted for many years across the rugged hills and thick jungles of Laos. The medal recognized the tough service these troops gave during these very difficult times. It honored them for standing their ground in some of the most challenging battles in their nation's history.

Is it still handed out today?

No, the medal is no longer given out to soldiers today. The program was officially stopped in 1975 when the royal military government came to an end. It remains a special piece of history that tells the story of the soldiers who served during the mid-20th century. People today look back at the medal as a symbol of the men who fought in the hills of Laos.

Who was this medal meant for?

This medal was designed to honor the brave, everyday soldiers who fought on the front lines. It was meant specifically for enlisted troops and junior officers who stayed in danger. While generals often received fancy awards for their high rank, this medal recognized the hard work of the common soldier. It showed that the whole country was proud of the men doing the toughest jobs.

Did ordinary soldiers get this award?

Yes, it was a very common award given to thousands of troops starting in 1955. Many young Lao soldiers earned this honor while guarding isolated outposts or fighting in deep, remote valleys. It became a proud symbol for the infantrymen who spent long, difficult days in active combat zones. Because they were on the front lines, these brave men were the main group to receive it.

Where were these medals made?

Official medals for the army were sometimes made far away in France. However, because money for the military was often low, many soldiers could not get an official one. To solve this, soldiers often bought their own versions made by workers in local Lao shops. They wore these local medals on their uniforms with just as much pride as the official ones.

What conflicts did recipients fight in?

The soldiers who earned this medal fought during the First Indochina War and the long Laotian Civil War. These two conflicts lasted for many years across the rugged hills and thick jungles of Laos. The medal recognized the tough service these troops gave during these very difficult times. It honored them for standing their ground in some of the most challenging battles in their nation's history.

Is it still handed out today?

No, the medal is no longer given out to soldiers today. The program was officially stopped in 1975 when the royal military government came to an end. It remains a special piece of history that tells the story of the soldiers who served during the mid-20th century. People today look back at the medal as a symbol of the men who fought in the hills of Laos.

Home Library LaosCombat Veterans Medal

Service medal

Combat Veterans Medal

A general service award given to soldiers who actively served on front lines during wartime operations.

Laos Established 1955 All servicesPrecedence: Preceded general service medals and gratitude tokens

Medals & Awards

Awarded For

Awarded for serving on active military duty in designated front-line combat zones.

Eligibility

Enlisted soldiers and officers of the Royal Lao Armed Forces who served in combat.

Branch

All services

Precedence

Preceded general service medals and gratitude tokens

Combat Veterans Medal, Service medal, Laos medal

History

Created during the mid-20th century, the Combat Veterans Medal was designed to recognize all soldiers who stood in harm's way. While high orders went to generals, this award was intended specifically for everyday enlisted men and junior officers.

Throughout the long Laotian Civil War, thousands of young Lao soldiers guarded isolated outposts and fought in remote valley battles. Because war budgets were low, many soldiers purchased locally made versions of the medal to wear proudly on their service uniforms.

When the war concluded in 1975, the medal was discontinued. Today, it remains an important symbol of the ordinary infantrymen who fought in the rugged hills of Laos.

Frequently Asked Questions

Used In

First Indochina WarLaotian Civil War

Veterans Who Received This Award

Realistic illustration of the military medals and badges awarded to Vang Pao, including Order of the Million Elephants and the White Parasol, Order of the Crown of Laos, Order of Freedom, Combat Veterans Medal, shown against a light Laos flag background. AI-generated illustration, not an authentic photograph.

Cold War

Order of the Million Elephants and the White Parasol Order of the Crown of Laos Order of Freedom+1

Vang Pao

Who Was Major General Vang Pao?

A Hmong leader who commanded guerrilla forces in Laos during the Cold War.

Laos1960-1975

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Sources

Back to Laos