Introduction to Vietnam Service Awards
The Vietnam Service Awards are a series of decorations and medals that were established to recognize the service and sacrifices of members of the United States Armed Forces who served during the Vietnam War. The awards were created to honor the bravery, selflessness, and dedication of those who fought in one of the most controversial and challenging conflicts in American history.
History of the Vietnam Service Awards
The Vietnam Service Awards were established in 1965, shortly after the United States became involved in the Vietnam War. The awards were created to recognize the service of members of the United States Armed Forces who served in Vietnam, as well as those who served in support of the war effort in other parts of Southeast Asia. The awards were designed to be similar to the campaign medals that were established for other American wars, such as World War II and the Korean War.
Types of Vietnam Service Awards
There are several types of Vietnam Service Awards, including: * Vietnam Service Medal: This medal was established to recognize the service of members of the United States Armed Forces who served in Vietnam or in support of the war effort in other parts of Southeast Asia. * Vietnam Campaign Medal: This medal was established to recognize the service of members of the United States Armed Forces who served in Vietnam during specific campaigns or operations. * Presidential Unit Citation: This award was established to recognize the bravery and selflessness of units that served in Vietnam. * Navy Unit Commendation: This award was established to recognize the bravery and selflessness of Navy units that served in Vietnam. * Meritorious Unit Commendation: This award was established to recognize the meritorious service of units that served in Vietnam.
Eligibility for Vietnam Service Awards
To be eligible for a Vietnam Service Award, a member of the United States Armed Forces must have served in Vietnam or in support of the war effort in other parts of Southeast Asia during a specific period of time. The periods of eligibility for each award vary, but generally include: * November 15, 1961: The start of the Vietnam War * March 28, 1973: The end of the Vietnam War * July 4, 1965: The start of the Vietnam War for members of the United States Armed Forces who served in Vietnam
Criteria for Vietnam Service Awards
The criteria for each Vietnam Service Award vary, but generally include: * Service in Vietnam or in support of the war effort in other parts of Southeast Asia * Participation in specific campaigns or operations * Bravery or selflessness in the face of enemy action * Meritorious service during a specific period of time
👏 Note: The criteria for each award may vary depending on the specific award and the branch of service.
Table of Vietnam Service Awards
| Award | Established | Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Vietnam Service Medal | 1965 | Service in Vietnam or in support of the war effort in other parts of Southeast Asia |
| Vietnam Campaign Medal | 1966 | Participation in specific campaigns or operations |
| Presidential Unit Citation | 1942 | Bravery or selflessness in the face of enemy action |
| Navy Unit Commendation | 1944 | Bravery or selflessness in the face of enemy action |
| Meritorious Unit Commendation | 1944 | Meritorious service during a specific period of time |
In final thoughts, the Vietnam Service Awards are an important part of American military history, recognizing the service and sacrifices of members of the United States Armed Forces who served during the Vietnam War. The awards serve as a reminder of the bravery, selflessness, and dedication of those who fought in one of the most challenging conflicts in American history.
What is the Vietnam Service Medal?
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The Vietnam Service Medal is a medal that was established to recognize the service of members of the United States Armed Forces who served in Vietnam or in support of the war effort in other parts of Southeast Asia.
How do I know if I am eligible for a Vietnam Service Award?
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To be eligible for a Vietnam Service Award, you must have served in Vietnam or in support of the war effort in other parts of Southeast Asia during a specific period of time. The periods of eligibility vary depending on the award, but generally include November 15, 1961, to March 28, 1973.
What is the difference between the Vietnam Service Medal and the Vietnam Campaign Medal?
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The Vietnam Service Medal is awarded to members of the United States Armed Forces who served in Vietnam or in support of the war effort in other parts of Southeast Asia, while the Vietnam Campaign Medal is awarded to members who participated in specific campaigns or operations.
