Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal

BACK DEVICE(s)

Description:

1. Criteria. The Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal is awarded by the Government of the Republic of Vietnam to members of the United States Armed Forces and authorized by DOD 1348.33– M.
2. Requirements. To qualify for award personnel must meet one of the following requirements:
   1. Have served in the Republic of Vietnam for 6 months during period specified in paragraph (c) of this section.
   2. Have served outside the geographical limits of the Republic of Vietnam and contributed direct combat support to the Republic of Vietnam and Armed Forces for 6 months. Such individuals must meet the criteria established for the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Vietnam) or the Vietnam Service Medal, during the period of service required to qualify for the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.
   3. Have served as in paragraph (b)(1) or (2) of this section for less than 6 months and have been one of the following:
      1. Wounded by hostile forces.
      2. Captured by hostile forces, but later escaped, was rescued or released.
      3. Killed in action or otherwise in line of duty.
   4. Personnel assigned in the Republic of Vietnam on January 28, 1973 must meet one of the following:
      1. Served a minimum of 60 days in the Republic of Vietnam as of that date.
      2. Completed a minimum of 60 days service in the Republic of Vietnam during the period from January 28, 1973 to March 28, 1973, inclusive.
3. Eligibility for award under authority of this paragraph is limited to the period from March 1, 1961 to March 2, 1973, inclusive. Eligibility for acceptance of this award solely by virtue of service performed prior to March 1, 1961 or subsequent to March 1973.
4. The Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device (1960) and the miniature medal are items of individual purchase.

Background:

1. The Secretary of Defense approved a request for approval of foreign awards to US Military personnel on 7 February 1966. As a result of this approval, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with device bar (1960- ) was awarded to US Armed Forces personnel by the Government of the Republic of Vietnam per Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces Order No. 48, dated 24 March 1966. The acceptance, criteria and description was announced in the Federal Register, Volume 31, No. 147, 30 July 1966 (Title 32, Code of Federal Regulation 47).
2. The Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces Memorandum 2655 prescribed there were two devices to be worn on the ribbon. The first device was for the period 8 March 1949 - 20 July 1954 and is not authorized for wear by American Military Personnel. The second period was from 1 January 1960 with the last period to be decided after the war was over. The ending period remains blank, since the Republic of Vietnam Government ceased to exist before the ending period was established.
3. The devices for the medal are in two sizes - - the large size is 1 13/64 inches in width and is worn on the suspension ribbon of the full size decoration. The regular size is 19/32 inch wide and is worn on the miniature decoration and service ribbon bar.
4. Since the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal is a foreign award, it is not issued by the United States Government.