History, Eligibility, and Identification
The Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal is one of the most recognizable foreign military decorations awarded during the Vietnam War. Although issued by the former Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam), it was presented to many members of the U.S. Armed Forces and allied militaries who served in support of the South Vietnamese government.
Today, the medal remains highly collectible and is an important part of many veterans’ military service records.
What Is the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal?
The Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal was established by the government of South Vietnam in 1964 to recognize military personnel who completed qualifying service during the Vietnam War. It is considered a foreign award, meaning it was created by another nation but authorized for wear by eligible U.S. service members.
The medal is often confused with the Vietnam Service Medal, but the two awards recognize different achievements.
Who Was Eligible?
U.S. military personnel generally qualified if they:
- Served in South Vietnam for six months or more
- Served outside Vietnam while providing direct combat support
- Were wounded, captured, or killed before completing six months of service
Eligibility requirements varied slightly depending on military branch and period of service.
Medal Design
The medal has several distinctive features:
- White six-pointed star with green rays
- Gold center featuring a map of Vietnam
- Red scroll displaying “1960–”
- Green ribbon with three white vertical stripes
The green and white ribbon is one of the easiest ways to identify the award in a ribbon rack.
Ribbon Meaning
The ribbon colors symbolize:
- Green – The land and countryside of Vietnam
- White stripes – Purity and the hope for peace
The red scroll marked 1960– represents the beginning of the Republic of Vietnam’s struggle against communist forces.
Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal vs. Vietnam Service Medal
These two awards are frequently mistaken for one another.
| Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal | Vietnam Service Medal |
|---|---|
| Awarded by South Vietnam | Awarded by the United States |
| Foreign decoration | U.S. campaign medal |
| Requires qualifying service under South Vietnamese criteria | Awarded for service in the Vietnam theater |
| Green and white ribbon | Yellow ribbon with red and green stripes |
Many veterans who served in Vietnam were authorized to wear both medals.
Collecting the Medal
Collectors value original Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medals because they represent both military history and international cooperation during the Vietnam War.
When purchasing one, look for:
- Crisp, detailed engraving
- Proper ribbon colors
- Original suspension hardware
- Manufacturer markings on early examples
- Signs of age consistent with Vietnam-era production
Modern reproductions are widely available and are suitable for uniform replacement but generally have less collector value.
Is It Still Awarded?
No. The Republic of Vietnam ceased to exist following the fall of Saigon in 1975, so the medal is no longer awarded. Existing medals remain authorized for wear by eligible veterans who earned them during the Vietnam War.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal a U.S. military medal?
No. It is a foreign military decoration awarded by the former Republic of Vietnam but authorized for wear by eligible U.S. service members.
Why does the medal say “1960–”?
The inscription marks the beginning of South Vietnam’s military campaign. The ending year was intentionally left open because the conflict was ongoing when the medal was created.
Can someone receive both the Vietnam Service Medal and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal?
Yes. Many veterans earned both awards because each recognizes different service requirements.
Final Thoughts
The Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal honors the service of U.S. and allied military personnel who supported South Vietnam during one of the most significant conflicts of the twentieth century. Whether you’re researching a veteran’s military record, identifying medals in a collection, or building a display, understanding this award helps preserve an important chapter of military history.
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