Awards and Decorations
During the period I was with the battalion in Danang RVN certain awards were bestowed upon the men who served. Most of these were general in nature and depicted the various campaigns and civil action in which the unit was involved with during a particular period of the war. For what it’s worth, the traditional means of describing military decorations for a lot of years meant nothing to me what so ever. As a matter of fact it took over 45 years to even look into what decorations I may be entitled to for my service. You see when I was discharged in 1966 it was strongly suggested NOT to wear your uniform home. Primarily to avoid any problems with the anti-war crowd in San Francisco during that period. That was just fine with me and I stuffed the uniform into my sea bag and shipped via bus back to the Bronx. For the next 40+ years or so the sea bag would move to various locations prior to it's final resting place in the basement. During periodical cleanup binges the question always came up “what do you want to do with this old junk?” Without hesitation my stock reply was “leave it alone I’ll dump it later”. Almost unconsciously it would be moved to another obscure location only to be the focus of the same query during the next binge. Unknown to me my procrastination at last paid off. It's contents were the clues that would feed my desire to look further. With a little more time on my hands when I retired curiosity got the best of me. I began to ponder the fate of this band of brothers and what become of the unit. My work over the years afforded me the opportunity to learn just enough about this thing we now know as computers. This indeed was a great tool, it can be a pain in the a$$ at times, but does have some redeeming qualities. I was soon to find out what I needed to find was not housed in the libraries or the military records. For that matter if it were not for a small number of folks who took the time to write something down in the mist of the confusion of war our history would may have been no more that a blur.
NOTE:
The following awards reflect my service as indicated by the NPRC in my service record . It would be safe to say that the awards for CHB 2 would also include awards of previous conflicts.
The following awards reflect my service as indicated by the NPRC in my service record . It would be safe to say that the awards for CHB 2 would also include awards of previous conflicts.
Awards in Order of Precedence
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Combat Action Ribbon |
The Combat Action Ribbon was established on
February 17, 1969, by Secretary of the Navy John H. Chafee and announced by
SECNAVNOTE 1650 of February 17, 1969. The Annual Defense Authorization Bill
(Public Law 106-65) signed into law by President Clinton on October 5, 1999,
authorized the Secretary of the Navy to award the Combat Action Ribbon to
members of the Navy or Marine Coprs who participated in combat during any period
after December 6, 1941.
CRITERIA:
The Combat Action Ribbon is a personal decoration
awarded to members of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard (when operating
under the control of the Navy) in the grade of captain (or colonel in the Marine
Corps) and below who have actively participated in ground or surface combat.
Personnel who earned the Combat Infantryman Badge or Combat Medical Badge while
a member of the Army may be authorized to wear the Combat Action Ribbon. The
principal criterion is that the recipient must have participated in a bona fide
ground or surface combat firefight or in an action during which he was under
enemy fire and his performance while under fire was satisfactory.
DESCRIPTION:
The Combat Action Ribbon is worn after the Navy
Achievement Medal and before the Navy Presidential Unit Citation.
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Navy Unit Commendation |
BACKGROUND:
Established by order of the Secretary of the Navy,
18 December 1944, it is awarded by the Secretary to any ship, aircraft,
detachment, or other unit of the naval service of the United States Navy which
has, subsequent to 6 December 1941, distinguished itself by outstanding heroism
in action against the enemy, but not sufficient to justify award of the
Presidential Unit Citation.
CRITERIA:
Unit heroism lesser than that required of a
Presidential Unit Citation or non-combat service which was outstanding when
compared to other units or organizations performing similar service
DESCRIPTION:
The ribbon is 1 3/8 inches (35 mm) wide and
consists of the following stripes: green (center stripe); proceeding outward in
pairs red; yellow; ultramarine blue
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National Defense Medal |
BACKGROUND:
a. The National Defense Service Medal (NDSM) was
established by President Eisenhower per Executive Order 10448, dated 22 April
1953, for service between 27 June 1950 and a date to be announced. On 17 June
1954, the Chief of Staff approved establishment of 27 July 1954 as the
termination date for award of the NDSM. Executive Order 11265, dated 11 January
1966, amended Executive Order 10488, to include a termination date and
authorized the Secretary of Defense to establish periods of eligibility
subsequent to 31 December 1960. Eligibility for award, commencing with the
period after 31 December 1960, was established by DOD Directive 1348.7, dated 1
April 1966, and terminated effective 15 August 1974, per letter from Manpower
and Reserve Affairs, subject: Termination of Eligibility for the National
Defense Service Medal, dated 30 June 1974. The NDSM was again authorized by
memorandum, dated 20 February 1991, from Secretary of Defense Cheney for active
service on or after 2 August 1990 with no termination date established. The
termination date was later established as 30 November 1995. The NDSM was
reinstated by memorandum from The Deputy Secretary of Defense, dated 26 April
2002, from 11 September 2001 to a termination date to be determined in the
future.
b. The Heraldic Division, Quartermaster General’s Office, was
requested to provide proposed designs for the NDSM and designs created by Mr. T.
H. Jones were submitted to the G1 on 26 May 1953. A committee appointed by DOD,
which included representatives of all services, met on 27 May 1953 and 3 June
1953 and selected the design for final approval. The eagle, our National emblem,
together with the shield of the Coat of Arms of the United States is used to
symbolize the defense of the United States. The combination of oak and palm
leaves signify strength and preparedness.
CRITERIA:
a. The National Defense Service Medal was awarded
for honorable active service for any period between 27 June 1950 and 27 July
1954; between 1 January 1961 and 14 August 1974; between 2 August 1990 and 30
November 1995 and between 11 September 2001 and a closing date to be determined.
For the purpose of the award, the following persons will not be considered as
performing active service:
(1) Guard and Reserve forces personnel on
short tours of duty to fulfill training obligations under an inactive duty
training program.
(2) Any person on active duty for the sole purpose of
undergoing a physical examination.
(3) Any person on temporary active
duty to serve on boards, courts, commissions and like organizations or on active
duty for purposes other than extended active duty.
(4) A one time only
exception, for members of the Army National Guard and United States Army
Reserve, who were part of the selected reserve in good standing, was authorized,
per executive orders 12778, dated 18 October 1991, for the period 2 August 1990
to 30 November 1995.
b. The National Defense Service Medal may be
awarded to members of the Reserve Components who are ordered to Federal active
duty, regardless of duration, except for the categories listed above. Any member
of the Guard or Reserve who, after 31 December 1960, becomes eligible for the
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal or the Southwest Asia
Service Medal is also eligible for the National Defense Service Medal.
c. To signify receipt of a second or subsequent award of the NDSM, a
bronze service star will be worn on the service ribbon by U.S. Army personnel so
qualified. Second or third award of the NDSM is authorized for soldiers who
served in one or more of the four qualifying time periods. It is not authorized
for soldiers who met the criteria in one time period, left active duty and
returned during the same period of eligibility.
d. Cadets of the U.S.
Military Academy are eligible for the NDSM, during any of the inclusive periods
listed above, upon completion of the swearing-in ceremonies as a cadet.
e. The NDSM may be issued posthumously.
DESCRIPTION:
On a Bronze medal, 1 ¼ inches in diameter, an
eagle displayed with inverted wings standing on a sword and palm branch, all
beneath the inscription "NATIONAL DEFENSE". On the reverse is a shield taken
from the Coat of Arms of the United States with an open wreath below it, the
right side of oak leaves and the left side of laurel leaves.
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal *
BACKGROUND:
a. During the late 1950’s, it became apparent that
a medal was needed to recognize the services of the Armed Forces who
participated in the increased involvement of the American military in
peacekeeping activities. As a result, President Kennedy established the Armed
Forces Expeditionary Medal, per Executive Order 10977, dated 4 December 1961,
for operations on or after 1 July 1958.
b. In a memorandum dated 20
December 1961, the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense requested that The
Institute of Heraldry submit proposed designs as soon as possible. Proposed
designs were submitted on 25 January 1962 and a design, created by Mr. Jay
Morris, was tentatively selected. The design was submitted to the Commission of
Fine Arts for comments prior to approval by the Deputy Secretary of Defense on
24 April 1962.
c. The selected design uses the eagle to represent the
strength of our Armed Forces, and the sword, loose in its scabbard, denotes the
readiness to serve wherever needed, as further suggested by the compass rose.
d. At the present time, JCS has designated 22 operations for which the
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal may be awarded. A bronze service star is worn
to denote second and subsequent awards of the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal.
Each Service may authorize the use of campaign streamers for operations in the
designated areas. The Army has authorized campaign credit and display of
streamers for three areas: Grenada, Panama and the Dominican Republic. The Air
Force has authorized display of streamers for all 22 operations. The Navy
authorizes display of three silver stars and four bronze stars on the streamer
representing 19 operations.
CRITERIA:
a. The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal may be
awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who after 1 July
1958 participate as members of U.S. military units in a U.S. military operation
in which service members of any Military Department participate, in the opinion
of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), in significant numbers and encounter during
such participation foreign armed opposition, or are otherwise place in such a
position that in the opinion of the JCS, hostile action by foreign armed forces
was imminent even though it does not materialize.
b. The Armed Forces
Expeditionary Medal may be authorized for three categories of operations: U.S.
military operations; U.S. military operations in direct support of the United
Nations; and U.S. operations of assistance to friendly foreign nations.
c. The medal shall be awarded only for operations for which no other
U.S. campaign medal is approved.
DESCRIPTION:
On a bronze medal, 1 ¼ inches in diameter, an
eagle, with wings addorsed and inverted, standing on a sword loosened in its
scabbard, and super- imposed on a radiant compass rose of eight points, all
within the circumscription "ARMED FORCES" above and "EXPEDITIONARY SERVICE"
below with a sprig of laurel on each side. On the reverse is the shield from the
United States Coat of Arms above two laurel branches separated by a bullet, all
within the circumscription "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA".
Vietnam Service Medal **
BACKGROUND:
a. On 21 August 1964, the Deputy Chief of Staff
for Personnel (DCSPER) requested that The Institute of Heraldry provide proposed
designs for the possible adoption of a Vietnam Service Medal. Proposed designs
were submitted to DCSPER on 29 September 1964. The Vietnam Service Medal was
established by Executive Order 11231, dated 8 July 1965. The design approved by
the Office of the Secretary of Defense, 12 July 1965, and the policy for award
was promulgated by DOD Directive 1348.15, dated 1 October 1965.
b. The
design, created by Miss Mercedes Lee, includes bamboo trees which are adapted
from the flag of the President of Vietnam and the half-concealed dragon
represents the subversive nature of the conflict. The crossbow, on the reverse,
is the ancient weapon of Vietnam and the torch of the Statue of Liberty is a
symbol of the United States devotion to liberty and freedom. The yellow ribbon
with three vertical red stripes suggests the color of the flag of the Republic
of Vietnam. The green border on each side alludes to the jungle of that Country.
c. Soldiers receiving the Vietnam Service Medal are authorized to wear a
bronze star to indicate each campaign. There are 17 designated campaigns during
the period of 15 March 1962 through 28 January 1973. Units which receive
campaign credit for any of the campaigns would display a streamer with
inscription as shown on the unit's lineage and honors.
CRITERIA:
a. Awarded to all members of the Armed Forces of
the United States serving in Vietnam and contiguous waters or airspace
thereover, after 3 July 1965 through 28 March 1973. Members of the Armed Forces
of the United States in Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia, or the airspace thereover,
during the same period and serving in direct support of operations in Vietnam
are also eligible for this award. To be eligible for award of the medal,
individual must- -
(1) Be attached to or regularly serve for one or more
days with an organization participating in or directly supporting military
operations; or
(2) Be attached to or regularly serve for one or more
days aboard a naval vessel directly supporting military operations; or
(3) Actually participate as a crewmember in one or more aerial flights
into airspace above Vietnam and contiguous waters directly supporting military
operations; or
(4) Serve on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60
nonconsecutive days in Vietnam or contiguous areas, except that the time limit
may be waived for personnel participating in actual combat operations.
b. Individuals qualified for the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for
service in Vietnam between 1 July 1958 and 3 July 1965 shall remain qualified
for the medal. Upon request, the individual may be awarded the Vietnam Service
Medal in lieu of the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. In such instances, the
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal will be deleted from the list of authorized
medals in the individual’s personnel records. No person shall be entitled to
both awards for Vietnam Service.
DESCRIPTION:
On a bronze medal, 1 ¼ inches in diameter, an
oriental dragon behind a grove of bamboo trees above the inscription "REPUBLIC
OF VIETNAM SERVICE." On the reverse, a crossbow surmounted a by a torch above
the arched inscription "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA".
Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation
BACKGROUND:
The RVN Gallantry Cross was established by the
Vietnam Government by Decree No. 74-b/Qt, dated 15 August 1950 and Decree No.
96/DQT/HC, dated 2 May 1952. Authorization for all U.S. Army personnel was
confirmed in HDQA General Orders No. 8, dated 19 March 1974.
CRITERIA:
a. U.S. Military units were individually cited for
award of the Republic of Vietnam (RVN) Gallantry Cross; however, the Vietnamese
Government issued the award to all units subordinate to Military Assistance
Command (MACV) during the period 8 February 1962 and 28 March 1973 and to U.S.
Army Vietnam and its subordinate units for the period 20 July 1965 to 28 March
1973. This permits all personnel who served in Vietnam to wear the RVN Gallantry
Cross unit citation. b. The medal was awarded by the Vietnam Government to
military personnel who have accomplished deeds of valor or displayed heroic
conduct while fighting the enemy and have been cited individually at the
regiment, brigade, division, corps, or armed forces level.
DESCRIPTION:
A Gold color medal, 1 3/8 inches in width,
consisting of a wreath superimposed by two crossed scimitars saltirewise and a
Maltese cross. In the center of the Maltese cross a disc with an outline of the
country of Vietnam between two palm sprigs joined at the bottom and a scroll
overall inscribed "QUOC-GIA LAO-TUONG" (Reward of the State).
Republic of Vietnam Civil Action Unit Citation
BACKGROUND:
a. The Republic of Vietnam Civil Action unit
citation is authorized for permanent wear only. Personnel assigned to the
organization during the period cited may wear the emblem.
b.
Organizations which have been awarded the Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions unit
award may display a streamer on the organizational flag. The streamer is the
same pattern as the ribbon with the palm near the heading of the streamer. The
inscription will be as indicated on the unit's lineage and honors.
c.
The Republic of Vietnam Civil Action Medal was awarded as an individual foreign
decoration in certain instances. When worn as an individual foreign decoration,
it is worn without the gold frame.
CRITERIA:
The Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Medal was
awarded as an individual foreign award to some members of the United States
Army. The unit citation of the Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Medal was
awarded certain units by the Vietnamese government for meritorious service
during the period 1 March 1961 to 28 March 1974. Individuals who received the
RVN Civil Actions Medal as an individual award are authorized to wear the medal.
Personnel assigned to an unit which was awarded the medal are authorized to wear
the unit award emblem.
DESCRIPTION:
The ribbon is 1 3/8 inches in width and consists
of the following stripes: 3/32 inch Bottle Green; 3/16 inch Scarlet; 23/64 inch
Bottle Green; 1/64 inch Scarlet; 1/16 inch Bottle Green; 1/64 inch Scarlet;
23/64 inch Bottle Green; 3/16 inch Scarlet; and 3/32 inch Bottle Green. The
ribbon is worn with a palm to indicate level of awarding authority. The ribbon
is enclosed behind a gold color metal frame.
Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal
BACKGROUND:
a. 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).
b. 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. 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.
c. Since the Republic
of Vietnam Campaign Medal is a foreign award, it is not issued by the United
States Government. The medal may be purchased from commercial sources.
CRITERIA:
The Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal is awarded
to personnel who meet one of the following requirements:
a. Served in
the Republic of Vietnam for six months during the period of 1 March 1961 and 28
March 1973.
b. Served outside the geographical limits of the Republic of
Vietnam and contributed direct combat support to the Republic of Vietnam and
Armed Forces for six months. Such individuals must meet the criteria established
for the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (for Vietnam) or the Vietnam Service
Medal, to qualify for the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.
c. Six
months service is not required for individuals who were wounded by hostile
forces; killed in action or otherwise in line of duty; or captured by hostile
forces.
DESCRIPTION:
A gold six pointed star with rays, 32cm in
diameter, superimposed by a White enameled star, 42cm in diameter, overall in
center a Green disc, 18cm in diameter, with the outline of the Vietnamese
Country with a Red flame of three rays between North and South Vietnam. On the
reverse of the medal is a circle with a designation band containing the word
"CHIEN-DICH" (Campaign) at the top and "BOI-TINH" (Medal) at the bottom. Across
the center of the circle is the word "VIET-NAM".
Award Devices:
* - AFEM w/ FMF Combat Operations Device
** - VNSM w/ 3 bronze Campaign Stars and FMF Combat Operations Device
