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What was the purpose of this medal?

The Royal Government of Laos created this medal in 1960 to say thank you. It honored soldiers and civilian helpers who showed great loyalty during a time of national danger. By giving this award, leaders wanted to show deep respect for everyone who supported the government forces in both peace and war.

Could volunteers receive this medal?

Yes, many people who were not career soldiers earned this medal. Local militias, brave supply helpers, and volunteers living in isolated towns were all eligible to receive it. This was an important way for the government to show that every single person who assisted the military truly mattered.

What era is this medal from?

This medal was used during the Laotian Civil War, which lasted through the 1960s and early 1970s. It was a very difficult and busy time for the people of Laos. The government stopped giving out this award after the Kingdom of Laos fell in 1975.

Was it awarded to foreign helpers?

Yes, people from other countries were sometimes honored with this award. Foreign military advisers and aid workers who helped the government were often chosen to receive it. It served as a special way for the country to show thanks for their teamwork and extra support.

Who created the award?

The Royal Government of Laos officially created the medal in 1960. It was managed by the country's leaders to recognize people for their hard work and dedication. The government used this award to keep spirits high for all the people who were helping the national army.

What was the purpose of this medal?

The Royal Government of Laos created this medal in 1960 to say thank you. It honored soldiers and civilian helpers who showed great loyalty during a time of national danger. By giving this award, leaders wanted to show deep respect for everyone who supported the government forces in both peace and war.

Could volunteers receive this medal?

Yes, many people who were not career soldiers earned this medal. Local militias, brave supply helpers, and volunteers living in isolated towns were all eligible to receive it. This was an important way for the government to show that every single person who assisted the military truly mattered.

What era is this medal from?

This medal was used during the Laotian Civil War, which lasted through the 1960s and early 1970s. It was a very difficult and busy time for the people of Laos. The government stopped giving out this award after the Kingdom of Laos fell in 1975.

Was it awarded to foreign helpers?

Yes, people from other countries were sometimes honored with this award. Foreign military advisers and aid workers who helped the government were often chosen to receive it. It served as a special way for the country to show thanks for their teamwork and extra support.

Who created the award?

The Royal Government of Laos officially created the medal in 1960. It was managed by the country's leaders to recognize people for their hard work and dedication. The government used this award to keep spirits high for all the people who were helping the national army.

Home Library LaosMedal of Government Gratitude

Service medal

Medal of Government Gratitude

A commemorative medal presented to troops and civilian auxiliaries for devoted support to government forces.

Laos Established 1960 All servicesPrecedence: Worn following specific campaign and combat veteran medals

Medals & Awards

Awarded For

Awarded for faithful and dedicated support to national government forces in peace and war.

Eligibility

Military personnel, local volunteers, and international assistants.

Branch

All services

Precedence

Worn following specific campaign and combat veteran medals

Medal of Government Gratitude, Service medal, Laos medal

History

The Royal Government of Laos established the Medal of Government Gratitude in the mid-20th century. It served as a sincere 'thank you' from the government to soldiers and volunteers who stood firm during times of national peril.

During the 1960s, local militia fighters, supply volunteers, and armed scouts provided vital logistical support to the military. This medal was handed out in large numbers to honor these unsung contributors across isolated provinces.

Because it honored cooperation and loyal assistance, foreign aid workers and military advisers sometimes received it as well. Use of the medal ended with the fall of the Kingdom of Laos in 1975.

Frequently Asked Questions

Used In

Laotian Civil War

Veterans Who Received This Award

Realistic illustration of the military medals and badges awarded to Souvanna Phouma, including Order of Civic Merit of Laos, National Gold Medal, Medal of Government Gratitude, shown against a light Laos flag background. AI-generated illustration, not an authentic photograph.

Cold War

Order of Civic Merit of Laos National Gold Medal Medal of Government Gratitude

Souvanna Phouma

Who Was Prince Souvanna Phouma?

The former Prime Minister of Laos who navigated the nation through the Cold War.

Laos1950-1984

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Sources

Back to Laos