Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Medal

BACK DEVICE(s)

Description:

1. Awarded by the Chief of the Joint General Staff, Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces in two colors: Gallantry Cross Medal Color with Palm and Civil Actions Medal, First Class Color with Palm.
2. This cross was established on Aug. 15, 1950 by the Republic of Vietnam, as an award for outstanding bravery by officers and enlisted men who distinguished themselves conspicuously by gallantry in action at the risk of life. It corresponds to the French Croix de Guerre, (which design it resembles).
3. The bronze cross has flared decorative edges and two crossed swords, points up, between the arms of the cross and superimposed on a decorative wreath-like design -- which is really two "dragon-like" figures. On the obverse in the center is a raised disk with a sprig of laurel at the bottom and a map of Vietnam in the center, which contains the inscription in Vietnamese, "In Remembrance of Work Well Done." The badge is suspended from an ornamental bronze plaque which is attached to the ribbon. The reverse of the cross is blank.
4. The ribbon is red with a wide center stripe of gold, which is divided by 16 very thin stripes of red.