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How long did a soldier have to serve to get this medal?

To earn this medal, a soldier usually needed to serve for at least six months in the Vietnam war zone. This time was counted while they were working or fighting in that country. It was a way for the government to show thanks for the hard work done by soldiers during the long conflict.

What if a soldier was wounded before six months passed?

If a soldier was hurt in a fight or died while serving, they earned the medal right away. They did not have to finish the full six months of duty if they were wounded or killed in action. This special rule honored the brave sacrifice made by those who were harmed during their time in the war.

What does the metal bar on the ribbon say?

The medal has a small metal bar attached to the top ribbon. It is stamped with the words 1960– to show when the fighting began in that region. This bar helps people know exactly which time period the soldier served in during the war.

Did American veterans receive this campaign medal?

Yes, many millions of American soldiers were allowed to wear this medal. The South Vietnamese government created the award in 1964 for all allied troops who helped them. It was a very important way to recognize the help soldiers from countries like the United States gave during the long struggle.

What does the medal look like?

The medal is shaped like a silver star with six points. It uses two different colors to look very special on a uniform. The ribbon it hangs from has stripes of green and white to help it stand out clearly.

How long did a soldier have to serve to get this medal?

To earn this medal, a soldier usually needed to serve for at least six months in the Vietnam war zone. This time was counted while they were working or fighting in that country. It was a way for the government to show thanks for the hard work done by soldiers during the long conflict.

What if a soldier was wounded before six months passed?

If a soldier was hurt in a fight or died while serving, they earned the medal right away. They did not have to finish the full six months of duty if they were wounded or killed in action. This special rule honored the brave sacrifice made by those who were harmed during their time in the war.

What does the metal bar on the ribbon say?

The medal has a small metal bar attached to the top ribbon. It is stamped with the words 1960– to show when the fighting began in that region. This bar helps people know exactly which time period the soldier served in during the war.

Did American veterans receive this campaign medal?

Yes, many millions of American soldiers were allowed to wear this medal. The South Vietnamese government created the award in 1964 for all allied troops who helped them. It was a very important way to recognize the help soldiers from countries like the United States gave during the long struggle.

What does the medal look like?

The medal is shaped like a silver star with six points. It uses two different colors to look very special on a uniform. The ribbon it hangs from has stripes of green and white to help it stand out clearly.

Home Library South VietnamVietnam Campaign Medal

Campaign medal

Vietnam Campaign Medal

A campaign medal awarded to troops who served in combat zones during the Vietnam War.

South Vietnam Established 1964 All servicesPrecedence: 9th in the national military hierarchy

Medals & Awards

Awarded For

Awarded for six months of military service in the South Vietnam war zone, or for being wounded in action.

Eligibility

South Vietnamese military members and allied armed forces serving in the combat zone.

Branch

All services

Precedence

9th in the national military hierarchy

Vietnam Campaign Medal, Campaign medal, South Vietnam medal

History

The Vietnam Campaign Medal was created in 1964 by the South Vietnamese government. It was issued to recognize all soldiers who completed a minimum period of duty within the war theater.

To qualify, military personnel generally had to serve inside South Vietnam for at least six months. Troops who were wounded or killed in action received the medal immediately, regardless of how long they had been deployed.

It is easily recognized by its distinctive silver star design with a green-and-white ribbon. The medal was worn with a metal scroll bar reading '1960–' to denote the era of the conflict.

Frequently Asked Questions

Used In

Vietnam War

Veterans Who Received This Award

Vietnam

Glorious Fighter Medal Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal+2

Hoang Co Minh

Who Was Rear Admiral Hoang Co Minh?

A prominent South Vietnamese naval leader during the Vietnam War.

Vietnam1960-1975

Read Story

Vietnam

Navy Gallantry Cross Gallantry Cross Vietnam Campaign Medal+1

Tran Van Hai

Who Was General Tran Van Hai?

A dedicated naval officer known for defending maritime interests.

South Vietnam1974-01-19

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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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Vietnam

Distinguished Flying Cross Air Medal Vietnam Service Medal+2

Michael Vicelleo

How Did Helicopter Pilots Scout for the Enemy in Vietnam?

Captain Michael Vicelleo served as a U.S. Army helicopter pilot in Vietnam, conducting low-altitude reconnaissance missions to locate enemy positions.

AmericanSeptember 30, 1968

Read Story

Realistic illustration of the military medals and badges awarded to Robert L. Worrell, shown against a light United States flag background. AI-generated illustration, not an authentic photograph.

Vietnam

Purple Heart National Defense Service Medal Vietnam Service Medal+1

Robert L. Worrell

Who Was Robert L. Worrell and How Did He Serve in the Vietnam War?

Robert L. Worrell was a United States Army soldier who died during the Vietnam War and is memorialized on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

AmericanApril 1968

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Sources

Back to South Vietnam