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10 Second War Stories brings military history to life through stories, veteran profile, force profiles, and equipment guides across all nations and conflicts.

What do the colors on the ribbon represent?

The ribbon is made of yellow and green stripes. These colors were chosen to match the flag of South Vietnam. President Lyndon B. Johnson picked these colors in 1965 to honor the country where the troops were serving. It was a special way to show support for the people living there.

What do the small stars on the ribbon indicate?

The small bronze stars are officially called service stars. Each star stands for a specific battle campaign that the soldier took part in during the war. If a veteran was involved in many big missions, they could earn several stars to wear on their ribbon. These stars tell a story about where a soldier fought.

Did sailors on nearby ships receive this medal?

Yes, sailors who served on ships in the waters near Vietnam were able to earn this medal. To get it, they had to be there for at least thirty days in a row or sixty days total. Their work at sea was very important because they helped protect the soldiers fighting on the land.

What medal did this replace for Vietnam veterans?

Before this medal was made in 1965, troops received the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal instead. Once the new Vietnam Service Medal was created, soldiers were allowed to trade their old medal for this new one. This switch helped people clearly see that a person had specifically served in the Vietnam War.

What image appears on the front of the medal?

The front of the medal shows a dragon standing behind bamboo trees. This design was used to represent Southeast Asia where the war took place. It is a symbol that many veterans wear with pride to remember their time in the service. The image is a reminder of the difficult work they did during those years.

What do the colors on the ribbon represent?

The ribbon is made of yellow and green stripes. These colors were chosen to match the flag of South Vietnam. President Lyndon B. Johnson picked these colors in 1965 to honor the country where the troops were serving. It was a special way to show support for the people living there.

What do the small stars on the ribbon indicate?

The small bronze stars are officially called service stars. Each star stands for a specific battle campaign that the soldier took part in during the war. If a veteran was involved in many big missions, they could earn several stars to wear on their ribbon. These stars tell a story about where a soldier fought.

Did sailors on nearby ships receive this medal?

Yes, sailors who served on ships in the waters near Vietnam were able to earn this medal. To get it, they had to be there for at least thirty days in a row or sixty days total. Their work at sea was very important because they helped protect the soldiers fighting on the land.

What medal did this replace for Vietnam veterans?

Before this medal was made in 1965, troops received the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal instead. Once the new Vietnam Service Medal was created, soldiers were allowed to trade their old medal for this new one. This switch helped people clearly see that a person had specifically served in the Vietnam War.

What image appears on the front of the medal?

The front of the medal shows a dragon standing behind bamboo trees. This design was used to represent Southeast Asia where the war took place. It is a symbol that many veterans wear with pride to remember their time in the service. The image is a reminder of the difficult work they did during those years.

Home Library WorldwideVietnam Service Medal

Campaign medal

Vietnam Service Medal

A campaign award given to service members who deployed to Vietnam and neighboring conflict areas.

Worldwide Established 1965 All servicesPrecedence: Campaign medals section, following earlier regional campaign medals

Medals & Awards

Awarded For

Direct service in Vietnam and surrounding waters or airspace between 1965 and 1973.

Eligibility

All armed forces personnel serving thirty consecutive days or sixty non-consecutive days in theater.

Branch

All services

Precedence

Campaign medals section, following earlier regional campaign medals

Vietnam Service Medal, Campaign medal, Worldwide medal

History

President Lyndon B. Johnson established this medal by executive order in 1965 to honor military members deployed to Southeast Asia. Prior to this award, troops serving in the area were issued the broader Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal.

Troops who had already earned the earlier expeditionary award were permitted to exchange it for this specialized campaign decoration. The medal's ribbon was colored yellow and green to reflect the traditional flag of South Vietnam.

Throughout the war, small bronze service stars were attached to the ribbon to represent participation in specific battle campaigns. It remains a defining badge of service for all veterans who served in the region during the war.

Frequently Asked Questions

Used In

Vietnam War

Veterans Who Received This Award

Vietnam

Silver Star Medal Vietnam Service Medal World War II Victory Medal

Colin Powell

Who Was Colin Powell?

A decorated soldier who rose to become Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Worldwide1968-11-16

Read Story

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

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