My father in law served in Vietnam. He buried his medals with his Mother. She was the only one who wrote to him while he was fighting there. God bless those who love our veterans.
I enlisted into the United States Marine on July 1968. I entered South Vietnam on December 7th 1969. I was awarded the Silver Star Medal, a Purple Heart with gold star, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, The National Defense Medal, The Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with a Silver Star, The Vietnam Campaign Medal, The Vietnam Service Medal! I was awarded the Combat Action Ribbon, and the Vietnamese Civic Action Ribbon! I spent eight months in country, with the, "Combined Action Program", Combined Action Company 1-3: Cap 1-3-2! HAPPY MARINE CORPS BIRTHDAY 246 YEARS, OORAH!
Enlisted " On This Day , December 7th , a Day that Will Live I'm Infamy " ! How coincidentally ironic . 1969-1970 were tough fighting going on , Evan though scaling down of USA troops was being done . Both yrs. were radical years ; 1969 , and 1970 were ages anti- war protest , especially early 5)1970 @ Kent State Univ., In Ohio , when Ohio National Guardsman shot @ , and killed 4 students . The students of the university were protesting Pres. Nixon's orders for the US of As military to go into Cambodia to seek , and destroy Communist Viet- Cong , and Communist North Vietnamese Army regulars ( NVA) sanctuaries , or any entrenched , and well fortified positions of those Viet- Cong , and NVA 1970 the war in SouthVietnam was as vicious as any other previous year !
@@JohnEglick-oz6cd I served from 1/65 to 5/67. There were protests going on as early as 1965-maybe even earlier. I hate it when the military opens fire on American citizens, It showed a complete breakdown of discipline and leadership, but maybe they shouldn't have been throwing rocks at the soldiers. Not making excuses for them but they were yanked out of their jobs, and were on duty for a week or so with hardly any rest from quelling disturbances by rioters. I'm sure their tolerance for uncivilized behavior by university students, regardless of their motivation was non-existent. That does not justify killing anyone, however.
I am not a Vietnam vet, nor do I have any relative served in Vietnam. Infact i am not even an American. But here I am watching this ❤️ beautifully crafted and preserved. Was looking for something to preserve my father's medals given by the Indian army. Great Ideas 👍🏼
Also , my uncle was kia in SouthVietnams , Central Highlands around mid /3/1968 about the tail end of TET nearly just over 10 days b-4 my 11th bday . Uncle was kia near Pleiku , and served with the US of As 1st Calvary Div AirMobile Div. .He was a warrant officer shot down in his Huey with a couple of other American soldiers .
My father served aboard the USS Tom Green County as a GM. He never talked about his experiences in Vietnam. After serving 22 years, he retired as a MAC. Sadly, several years ago, he passed away. He was good man. He will be dearly missed.
I earned my Vietnam Service Medal, and Combat Action Ribbon, while serving in Vietnam in 1972. Did not earn the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal until I served in northeastern Thailand in 1972/73. The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded for any time spent in the war zone. The Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal required six months of continual service, or nine months of broken service, in the war zone. Phu Bai is all right.
I was US Navy from June 1964 to June 1970. My first day in Boot Camp I was issued the National Defense Service Medal. I Qualified in Submarines and ran all over the Pacific but was never "In Country". Years later I wrote the Navy asking what other awards I may have been eligible for. They sent me a Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon; a Good Conduct Medal; an Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal and Korean Defense Service Medal. The last two for when we sat off Wonsan, North Korea after the Pueblo had been captured. So I served during Viet Nam but never went there.
NDSM.... also known as the "Road Guard Badge" for having survived basic, where nearly everyone, at one time or another, was the road guard. Remember the command "road guard.... POST!" Arcom... also known as the "goin' home award".... finished your tour, and didn't screw anything up.
My grandpa served with the US of As 508 PIR 82nd A/B Div. as a medic , and fought on Normandy , Holland "Operation Market Garden " , and sustained a leg wound while riding in the Ardennes when the jeep he was in hit a landmine around mid -12/1944 . He was patched up an assigned to assist other Army medics assisting concentration camp victims . My grandpa expired nearly 28 yrs. ago from esophageal cancer . PSTD palpable after hi not so nice experiences in the vicious , bloody fighting in the ETO of WW2 .
I suggest to all vets, esp. those who had boots on the ground to request their military records from the National Archives, St. Louis, Mo. This is the only way to make sure what medals/unit citations that was awarded to you while in service. For the army vets, be sure to get a copy of a DA 20 form, this has the needed information, and a history of the units one was with.
Very good presentation of the medals awarded to those who served in Vietnam. However, the VSM was authorized for those who participated in Operation Frequent Wind (the evacuation of Saigon) April 29-30, 1975. This was passed into law in 2003, giving those who participated in Operation Frequent Wind the option to convert the AFEM originally awarded for the operation to the VSM. I know this because I am one of those who did this as I had served aboard the U.S.S. Bausell (DD-845) during Operation Frequent wind.
I was a. Big RED One 1969. Have all my decorations in a shadow box. Next is having my dress greens done in a shadow box. I had my dad’s WWll Navy uniform done and it looks awesome. Not cheap, but “museum quality”.
@@howardwatts4238 I doubt you’ll see this…since I just saw your reply a year later…but I hope that you will. If I could post a picture, I’d do it in a second but I’m not sure how to on here. Sorry.
Is there any place listing all the Units that received the Civic Action Award, and when? A lot of Units received the award but not all the members of the unit were involved in the activities required for the award. I know a Marine who said he didn't earn the award and I told him he did by being in the field protecting those who were involved in civic action. Building schools, churches, hospitals and teaching English, were part of the mission, and in many cases done by volunteers off duty.
Write your service component and they will send you a complete set of medals and ribbons. Every Vietnam vet has at a minimum National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallentry W Palm. You should also have your service overseas short ribbon.
I don't quite understand who you mean by " your service component." I served about6 months in Danang on several TDY assignments from Clark Air Base. I was never awarded any medal/ ribbon for anything. My DD214 shows NA on the line for medals or badges. I never did anything wrong to prevent me from getting a GCM , but I never got one of those either. I've tried to obtain my service records from the archives, and only received some of them due to a fire some years ago. If you know any other way to persue this, I would be appreciative any info you can provide.
I was never handed most of my awards, I went to clothing sales and purchased them. After I went to personal with orders showing them at I was at a base at the time they were authorized. Being in country in Vietnam gets you the Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, republic of Vietnam Gallentry cross. If you were in 3 years your get the hood conduct medal. Before you separated you should have made sure their in your records. When you write and ask for them hopefully you have a copy of your TDY orders. I was lucky to have a shop supervisor that explained everything when I became a sergeant.
A word of caution for all of us veterans. Stolen valor is not a "Vietnam era veteran" wearing a "Vietnam veteran" hat! It may be ignorance but its not stolen valor! Stolen Valor is a serious charge. A civilian claiming to be a war hero, an Air Force Cargo guy like myself claiming to be a special ops Navy seal, any of us lying that we are a metal of honor recipients! That is stolen valor. Keep that in mind when you hear about "Stolen Valor hunter shows". I can think of few things worse than mistakenly dishonoring a veteran by claiming stolen valor then I finding out I was wrong.
It has turned out to be a very instructive video, but I have a question. In the second film of the Rambo saga, they mention their decorations, among others 2 silver stars, 4 bronze stars, 4 purple hearts... in cases where a soldier obtains more than the same medals, as represented in the ribbon on your uniform? MANY THANKS FOR EVERYTHING GREETINGS FROM BARCELONA
Sorry, service in Vietnam was at least TWO vs. three medals. One needed an aggregate of 6 months service to be eligible to wear the campaign ribbon/medal. I served afloat embarked on a destroyer and was in the "war zone for a total of 62 days making me eligible for the Vietnam Service ribbon/medal but not long enough for the campaign award.
Jim Piper - You are correct. I was about to post the same comment, but you beat me to it. I earned my Vietnam Service Medal, and Combat Action Ribbon, while in Vietnam in 1972. Did not earn the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal until I served in northeastern Thailand in 1972/73. The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded for any time spent in the war zone. The Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal required six months of continual service, or nine months of broken service, in the war zone.
Most units would have been awarded a unit citation of some sort as well. Many would also have a Civic Actions Unit Citation in addition to the Cross of Gallantry Unit citation. In the Navy it was typical for senior staff officers to receive a Bronze Star with "V" for heroism.
@@aircavgrunt Heroism in combat gets you a V but typically service for a job well done that merited a bronze star with a V. My department head in Vietnam received a Bronze Star with V at his EOT. His citation read that he had "exposed himself to enemy fire while visiting his troops in the field." I was one of the troops he visited in the field. His helicopter landed. He got off. He shook some hands of the division officers, got back on and left. Me and my guys didn't even get "achievement" medals for exposing ourselves to enemy fire 24/7 for months on end.
Hi guys, my mom received the vietnam veteran's national medal when she came to America. Her or my father, idk cause he passed. I see the coin can still be bought, but I'm wondering if any collectors have ever seen it in a green US TREASURY box? I'm just trying to determine how significant this medal is, since I hold a lot of sentimental value. Don't really care what the value is, but I'm wondering if they just passed these out willy nilly.. like I said, it's in a green suede box with gold trim, and came in a green us treasury slide on cover.. there's a "gold" eagle on the front of the suede box with plants in both talons.. just trying to determine if any collectors have seen this version of presentation for the medal
I was a combat USMC veteran 1968-1969 in Vietnam, I received the combat action ribbon and served a year and 6 months and did not receive the good conduct medal and had a clear record. We were told that in the Marine Corps you had to serve a minimum of 3 years to qualify?
Actually, (at least while I was in, (1969-1978)) the Marine Corps required 4 years of service with no disciplinary problems. I got my second on my 8th anniversary.
The qualifications for combat veteran status include discharge or release from active service on or after January 28, 2003. Recipients of Hostile Fire Pay or Imminent Danger Pay typically qualify for combat veteran status. These also apply to activated Reservists and members of the National Guard.
I served in the USMC at Nam Phong, Thailand from around December’72 until we mounted out in September’73. Should have got the Vietnam service medal but DD214 only showed the AFEM.
James, I agree fully with you. If you have any document that reflects your time in Thailand, send to the records repository and ask for your records to be amended to get this medal. I have done this also. You darned well earned it and you should have it. Even a piece of medical record will help.
Hi. I never heard of the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry unit citation. I served as an Army medic with the 2/20 Arial Rocket Artillery, First Air Cav Division in 67/68. Would I be entitled to this ribbon?
I'm thinking he sounds like Dale Dye. He's a retired USMC Captain, Vietnam Vet, actor, and military advisory in several movies and TV shows. You've seen him in quite a few war movies and as Don in the 1989 movie Always as the the Chief Smoke Jumper. He's one of the few military advisors who gets it right every time the first time when it comes to accuracy.
Service members who earned the AFEM for Operation Frequent Wind between 29 and 30 April 1975, may elect to receive the VSM instead of the AFEM. No service member may be issued both medals for service in Vietnam. Operation New Arrivals (April 29-September 16, 1975) was the relocation of more than 120,000 Vietnamese refugees from Pacific island staging areas to the United States. It did not qualify for the Vietnam Service medal to my knowledge.
Isn't the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with palm authorized for each service member who served in country? I'm referring to General Order 8 of the Military Assistance Command Vietnam issued in 1974. The same order authorized the Cross of Gallantry Unit Citation.
No the general authorization was for the Cross of gallantry unit citation only. Vietnamese Cross of gallantry with Palm was an individual personal award.
I hate to be a bother but would anyone know what the following means? My cousin served in Vietnam. SP4 - 1 MIL - INTEL DET, VIETNAM ARCOM It's been a nightmare trying to get any info. His death certificate says Leukemia only to years later find out the cause was exposure to A.O. He was 25. Thanks 😊 ✌💜 Thank you all for your service in such hellish conditions.
I don’t think it’s possible to definitively link leukemia to Agent Orange. After all, plenty of people who never wore a uniform also developed leukemia and all the other cancers.
Can I ask, during Vietnam, if multiples were awarded such as the Bronze Star or the Purple Heart to the same recipient, was more than one of the same medal issued, or would it be just a bronze oak leaf cluster, that would have been given out instead?
For each additional award, you’re given a presentation box with a complete set of hardware - the medal, the lapel pin (or lapel button), and a single mounted ribbon with pin, as well as the appropriate number of oak leaf clusters to attach yourself. In World War II, instead of the mounted ribbon, you’d get a loose length of ribbon that theoretically you’d get mounted on a ribbon bar (if you wanted to bother with it; my father just kept the loose ribbon in the presentation box with everything else). When displaying your awards on your uniform, whether in the form of medals or ribbons, you mount just a single medal or ribbon (one type or the other - not mixed) of each award, with the subsequent awards represented by oak leaf clusters (or stars, depending on the medal and/or the era). Each subsequent award is represented by an individual bronze oak leaf cluster, until you pass four. Five awards are represented by a single silver oak leaf cluster. Additional bronze OLC’s are displayed to the right of the silver OLC (i.e. facing the serviceman).
VVA and many other organizations consider anyone who served during the time period as Vietnam Vets. Not all of us served in-country though, so not all Vietnam Vets qualify for all three medals, nor do we want any we have not honestly earned. I am not a Vietnam vet, I am a Vietnam Era vet. I wish the aforementioned organizations and companies such as MOA recognized that distinction and did not dilute the honorable service of my brothers and sisters by including my service with theirs. It is simply not honorable.
good point, I am working on a Cold War veterans video and will try an make your point. We had still significant forces deployed in Europe, Korea and the US during the Vietnam war.
At 9 minutes 10 seconds, you state all EM's serving in Vietnam would have received an Army Good Conduct Medal. Then, I got ripped off! I served honorably one year in Vietnam, got my 4 basic medals/ribbons, plus 2 ARCOM's and another unit ribbon. I was told Army Good Conduct Medals were only if you re-enlisted, e.g. served more than 3 years. I got an early drop for school, so served 2 years, 9 months and 6 hours ... Do I get any back pay to 1970 ... ha, ha.
@@tomcomiskey6350 The challenge for me is there is no Good Conduct on my DD-214. My DEROS RVN was 9 SEP 1970, so nobody at 4th I'D gave a ___, then 4.5 months at Ft. Huachuca, AZ, and out for college 2 FEB 1971. "It don't mean a thing." Hope all is well with you.
@@donalddodson7365 You still deserve one and should have one. I have good& bad days, The V.A. changed my meds, so I will wait and see how it works. I was already on ptsd meds and it got worse after all this shit going on , kneeling for our Flag and Anthem and burning and looting destorying history after all the shit we went through coming back from Nam it was almost like going back in time. It brought back alot of bad memories. Thanks for asking. Hope your doing good brother. Welcome home , God Bless you and yours. Just a Nam Vet, Tom
@@tomcomiskey6350 VA helped me with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CBT-CPT). I self-procured EMDR and Rapid Resolution Therapy (RRT). My nightmares almost stopped 7 years ago when VA put me on CPAP-APAP for severe sleep apnea. Tom, may your 2021 be filled with Peace, Love and even Joy. Blessings, Don Dodson (4th ID, REMF, 1969-1970)
I have watched a couple of your videos and you ignore the Combat Action Ribbon for Navy and Marine combat veterans, one of the highest awards available other than the valor awards.
This video is not exactly accurate. Not all Vietnam Veterans should have earned "at least three" medals for service in Vietnam. Vietnam service is defined as service on the ground, in the air above or on the waters adjacent to the Republic of Vietnam. If the Vietnam Veteran spent less than six months in country that veteran would have only received the Vietnam Service Medal. The Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal was earned after six months of service in country. Whether the veteran served an entire thirteen month tour or not if the service member who served in country, in the air above or the waters adjacent to Vietnam for six months or more received the minimum of three service medals. Whether the member served less than six months or a full tour he/she, and women did serve in Vietnam, is still a Vietnam Veteran. The Good Conduct Medal was not automatically awarded to Vietnam Veterans just for service in country. The good Conduct Medal is awarded to the service member for meeting the conduct requirements of the service after a period of time specified by the service. For example, I received my Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal after meeting the Marine Corps requirements for the medal after three years of service. Since my tour of duty in Vietnam was very short, four months, I did not earn the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal but I did earn the Vietnam service Medal.
British please don't put us in a sentence implying we are like Russia here we don't give lots of medals please check British Military Medals from The Army Airforce The Navy The Royal Marines The Special forces.
Paul, unfortunately the U.S. Govt will not create/issue a medal/ribbon that directly admits the us govt made a very horrible mistake about the agent orange. I’ve always thought that agent orange was the same as roundup, but, our govt used a different coloring so as not be associated with roundup. And you can see/read/file charges against roundup makers for compensation, but not our govt for agent orange.
@@HenauderTitzauf round up is still very readily available in most big stores and hardware stores. The chemicals that are in that product can cause cancer over time too
It didn't matter if you were Drafted or you Enlisted. If you earned the Medal/Award you should have been Presented with it and your DD214 should reflect it. The GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL was the only Awarded that required three years of Service and approved by a Commander, except in certain situations. So most Draftees Serving only two years Active Duty would not have been issued it.
@@terryv yo man first you say a combat action ribbon is not.the same as the army combat infantry badge witch I like its neat looking.but if this guy says he got rid of his medals that is his prerogative.dont put that 1st cav attitude in to it.shit I got two hearts gave them both away.look bud Vietnam was a monumental waste of time and outstanding people.we lost.it is what it is let him say what he wants he earned it copy
My father in law served in Vietnam. He buried his medals with his Mother. She was the only one who wrote to him while he was fighting there. God bless those who love our veterans.
You can write and get a reissue of his medals
Thanks for the memories. Served in 1966, 1967 and 1968. Still kicking.
I like the still kicking part.....
I enlisted into the United States Marine on July 1968. I entered South Vietnam on December 7th 1969.
I was awarded the Silver Star Medal, a Purple Heart with gold star, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal,
The National Defense Medal, The Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with a Silver Star, The Vietnam Campaign Medal, The Vietnam Service Medal! I was awarded the Combat Action Ribbon, and the Vietnamese Civic Action Ribbon!
I spent eight months in country, with the, "Combined Action Program", Combined Action Company 1-3: Cap 1-3-2!
HAPPY MARINE CORPS BIRTHDAY 246 YEARS, OORAH!
Welcome Home, Ron!
Enlisted " On This Day , December 7th , a Day that Will Live I'm Infamy " ! How coincidentally ironic .
1969-1970 were tough fighting going on , Evan though scaling down of USA troops was being done .
Both yrs. were radical years ; 1969 , and 1970 were ages anti- war protest , especially early 5)1970 @ Kent State Univ., In Ohio , when Ohio National Guardsman shot @ , and killed 4 students . The students of the university were protesting Pres. Nixon's orders for the US of As military to go into Cambodia to seek , and destroy Communist Viet- Cong , and Communist North Vietnamese Army regulars ( NVA) sanctuaries , or any entrenched , and well fortified positions of those Viet- Cong , and NVA
1970 the war in SouthVietnam was as vicious as any other previous year !
@@JohnEglick-oz6cd I served from 1/65 to 5/67. There were protests going on as early as 1965-maybe even earlier. I hate it when the military opens fire on American citizens, It showed a complete breakdown of discipline and leadership, but maybe they shouldn't have been throwing rocks at the soldiers. Not making excuses for them but they were yanked out of their jobs, and were on duty for a week or so with hardly any rest from quelling disturbances by rioters. I'm sure their tolerance for uncivilized behavior by university students, regardless of their motivation was non-existent. That does not justify killing anyone, however.
I am not a Vietnam vet, nor do I have any relative served in Vietnam. Infact i am not even an American. But here I am watching this ❤️ beautifully crafted and preserved. Was looking for something to preserve my father's medals given by the Indian army. Great Ideas 👍🏼
My dad got the bronze star in Vietnam 1969 while I was in HS. Very proud of him 82nd airborne Ft. Bragg
Also , my uncle was kia in SouthVietnams , Central Highlands around mid /3/1968 about the tail end of TET nearly just over 10 days b-4 my 11th bday . Uncle was kia near Pleiku , and served with the US of As 1st Calvary Div AirMobile Div. .He was a warrant officer shot down in his Huey with a couple of other American soldiers .
My father served aboard the USS Tom Green County as a GM. He never talked about his experiences in Vietnam. After serving 22 years, he retired as a MAC. Sadly, several years ago, he passed away. He was good man. He will be dearly missed.
You honor his service by your good memories!
My grandpa recently passed due to cancer.. we are collecting all his awards planning on framing them. This video helping me out alot!
Personnel who served in Cambodia up to APR 73 received the VSM. Those who served in Cambodia from APR to AUG 73 received the AFEM.
I earned my Vietnam Service Medal, and Combat Action Ribbon, while serving in Vietnam in 1972. Did not earn the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal until I served in northeastern Thailand in 1972/73.
The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded for any time spent in the war zone. The Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal required six months of continual service, or nine months of broken service, in the war zone.
Phu Bai is all right.
Beautifully done. Thank you so much for all of the valuable information!
I was US Navy from June 1964 to June 1970. My first day in Boot Camp I was issued the National Defense Service Medal. I Qualified in Submarines and ran all over the Pacific but was never "In Country". Years later I wrote the Navy asking what other awards I may have been eligible for. They sent me a Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon; a Good Conduct Medal; an Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal and Korean Defense Service Medal. The last two for when we sat off Wonsan, North Korea after the Pueblo had been captured. So I served during Viet Nam but never went there.
I served from June of 1974 all the way to March of 1977 what metals am I entitled to the United States Marine corps,
NDSM.... also known as the "Road Guard Badge" for having survived basic, where nearly everyone, at one time or another, was the road guard. Remember the command "road guard.... POST!"
Arcom... also known as the "goin' home award".... finished your tour, and didn't screw anything up.
My grandpa served with the US of As 508 PIR 82nd A/B Div. as a medic , and fought on Normandy , Holland "Operation Market Garden " , and sustained a leg wound while riding in the Ardennes when the jeep he was in hit a landmine around mid -12/1944 .
He was patched up an assigned to assist other Army medics assisting concentration camp victims .
My grandpa expired nearly 28 yrs. ago from esophageal cancer . PSTD palpable after hi not so nice experiences in the vicious , bloody fighting in the ETO of WW2 .
I suggest to all vets, esp. those who had boots on the ground to request their military records from the National Archives, St. Louis, Mo. This is the only way to make sure what medals/unit citations that was awarded to you while in service. For the army vets, be sure to get a copy of a DA 20 form, this has the needed information, and a history of the units one was with.
I had to get copies of my dd214 from there..I requested 1..they sent 3
GREAT!@@kayakbob5715
Very good presentation of the medals awarded to those who served in Vietnam. However, the VSM was authorized for those who participated in Operation Frequent Wind (the evacuation of Saigon) April 29-30, 1975. This was passed into law in 2003, giving those who participated in Operation Frequent Wind the option to convert the AFEM originally awarded for the operation to the VSM. I know this because I am one of those who did this as I had served aboard the U.S.S. Bausell (DD-845) during Operation Frequent wind.
good info, thank you.
I was a. Big RED One 1969. Have all my decorations in a shadow box. Next is having my dress greens done in a shadow box. I had my dad’s WWll Navy uniform done and it looks awesome. Not cheap, but “museum quality”.
You honor his service and yours!
I have my discharge, my stripes and medals and USMC cap and collar emblems on a blue cloth.
Can pot a pix for us
@@howardwatts4238
I doubt you’ll see this…since I just saw your reply a year later…but I hope that you will. If I could post a picture, I’d do it in a second but I’m not sure how to on here. Sorry.
Jane Fonda received both Vietnam Service and Vietnam Campaign Medals but they were for service in North Vietnam
Roger that!
I got one for her, it’s call a boat anchor,
Mary rotten croch deserves that anchor.
I did two combat tours in Nam 67-68 & 70-71. Would fall on my sword rather than breathe the same air as her.
Is there any place listing all the Units that received the Civic Action Award, and when? A lot of Units received the award but not all the members of the unit were involved in the activities required for the award. I know a Marine who said he didn't earn the award and I told him he did by being in the field protecting those who were involved in civic action. Building schools, churches, hospitals and teaching English, were part of the mission, and in many cases done by volunteers off duty.
My grandfather is so cool.
That is all.
4 Inf. Div. in Vietnam war
Write your service component and they will send you a complete set of medals and ribbons.
Every Vietnam vet has at a minimum National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallentry W Palm. You should also have your service overseas short ribbon.
@@tallwalls76 there's a long and short ribbon. Some tours are considered short IE 1 to 1.5 years other are long tours 3-4 years.
I don't quite understand who you mean by " your service component." I served about6 months in Danang on several TDY assignments from Clark Air Base. I was never awarded any medal/ ribbon for anything. My DD214 shows NA on the line for medals or badges. I never did anything wrong to prevent me from getting a GCM , but I never got one of those either. I've tried to obtain my service records from the archives, and only received some of them due to a fire some years ago. If you know any other way to persue this, I would be appreciative any info you can provide.
I was never handed most of my awards, I went to clothing sales and purchased them. After I went to personal with orders showing them at I was at a base at the time they were authorized. Being in country in Vietnam gets you the Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, republic of Vietnam Gallentry cross. If you were in 3 years your get the hood conduct medal. Before you separated you should have made sure their in your records. When you write and ask for them hopefully you have a copy of your TDY orders. I was lucky to have a shop supervisor that explained everything when I became a sergeant.
A word of caution for all of us veterans. Stolen valor is not a "Vietnam era veteran" wearing a "Vietnam veteran" hat! It may be ignorance but its not stolen valor! Stolen Valor is a serious charge. A civilian claiming to be a war hero, an Air Force Cargo guy like myself claiming to be a special ops Navy seal, any of us lying that we are a metal of honor recipients! That is stolen valor. Keep that in mind when you hear about "Stolen Valor hunter shows". I can think of few things worse than mistakenly dishonoring a veteran by claiming stolen valor then I finding out I was wrong.
It has turned out to be a very instructive video, but I have a question.
In the second film of the Rambo saga, they mention their decorations, among others 2 silver stars, 4 bronze stars, 4 purple hearts... in cases where a soldier obtains more than the same medals, as represented in the ribbon on your uniform?
MANY THANKS FOR EVERYTHING
GREETINGS FROM BARCELONA
Your grammar doesn’t make sense.
Sorry, service in Vietnam was at least TWO vs. three medals. One needed an aggregate of 6 months service to be eligible to wear the campaign ribbon/medal. I served afloat embarked on a destroyer and was in the "war zone for a total of 62 days making me eligible for the Vietnam Service ribbon/medal but not long enough for the campaign award.
Jim Piper -
You are correct. I was about to post the same comment, but you beat me to it. I earned my Vietnam Service Medal, and Combat Action Ribbon, while in Vietnam in 1972. Did not earn the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal until I served in northeastern Thailand in 1972/73.
The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded for any time spent in the war zone. The Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal required six months of continual service, or nine months of broken service, in the war zone.
Most units would have been awarded a unit citation of some sort as well. Many would also have a Civic Actions Unit Citation in addition to the Cross of Gallantry Unit citation. In the Navy it was typical for senior staff officers to receive a Bronze Star with "V" for heroism.
Senior Staff members receiving Bronze Star with "V" for what heroism ? Bronze Star without "V" would be common for a job well done.
@@aircavgrunt Heroism in combat gets you a V but typically service for a job well done that merited a bronze star with a V. My department head in Vietnam received a Bronze Star with V at his EOT. His citation read that he had "exposed himself to enemy fire while visiting his troops in the field." I was one of the troops he visited in the field. His helicopter landed. He got off. He shook some hands of the division officers, got back on and left. Me and my guys didn't even get "achievement" medals for exposing ourselves to enemy fire 24/7 for months on end.
Hi guys, my mom received the vietnam veteran's national medal when she came to America. Her or my father, idk cause he passed. I see the coin can still be bought, but I'm wondering if any collectors have ever seen it in a green US TREASURY box? I'm just trying to determine how significant this medal is, since I hold a lot of sentimental value. Don't really care what the value is, but I'm wondering if they just passed these out willy nilly.. like I said, it's in a green suede box with gold trim, and came in a green us treasury slide on cover.. there's a "gold" eagle on the front of the suede box with plants in both talons.. just trying to determine if any collectors have seen this version of presentation for the medal
We didn't get half the metals we where awarded, no paper work.
I was a combat USMC veteran 1968-1969 in Vietnam, I received the combat action ribbon and served a year and 6 months and did not receive the good conduct medal and had a clear record. We were told that in the Marine Corps you had to serve a minimum of 3 years to qualify?
That is correct, USMC requires 3 years of continuous service. I should have said Marines qualified for the good conduct medal.
The same thing in the Air Force. 3 years period. I got one, don’t ask me how. I did my share of HELL raising
Actually, (at least while I was in, (1969-1978)) the Marine Corps required 4 years of service with no disciplinary problems. I got my second on my 8th anniversary.
The qualifications for combat veteran status include discharge or release from active service on or after January 28, 2003. Recipients of Hostile Fire Pay or Imminent Danger Pay typically qualify for combat veteran status. These also apply to activated Reservists and members of the National Guard.
How about any awards for serving in the balkins or desert storm/shield
I served in the USMC at Nam Phong, Thailand from around December’72 until we mounted out in September’73. Should have got the Vietnam service medal but DD214 only showed the AFEM.
James, I agree fully with you. If you have any document that reflects your time in Thailand, send to the records repository and ask for your records to be amended to get this medal. I have done this also. You darned well earned it and you should have it. Even a piece of medical record will help.
@@HenauderTitzauf I would have to depend on my DD214 or medical records.
I was there as well. Started in DaNang and was redeployed to Nam Phong. There until Jan 1973 then back to camp pendleton. Semper fi
@@leebaker2588 then you are one of us Rose Garden Marines. I was there from late December to when VMFA 232 mounted out to PI.
Have no idea what I did with mine. One of those and a dollar could get you a cup of coffee back then.
@Wayne Collins A diner near me lowered it to 5 cents on a certain day of the week. maybe you missed my point?
My Stepfather didn't receive any medals until the early 1990's for being a Marine in Vietnam. He passed in 1998.
Glad he finally received them. I hope you have them now.
@@veteransmedalsworkshop-moa4376 thanks, I was proud for his achievements and because of him I also served in the Marines.
My greatest inspiration.
i was in vietnam 1965 to 1975
I served in the navy twice and once in the army is there any attachments that got on the ribbon
I was awarded cross of gallentry when I left which one is it
The Marine shadow box on the right had the Navy/Marine Corps Combat Action Ribbon. This was left out in the narrative.
Ouch...you got me!
@@veteransmedalsworkshop-moa4376 that is my highest award.
Hi. I never heard of the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry unit citation. I served as an Army medic with the 2/20 Arial Rocket Artillery, First Air Cav Division in 67/68. Would I be entitled to this ribbon?
yes, the Vietnamese unit cross of gallantry award.
It was awarded to UNITS.
Yes.
Is it my imagination or is the narrator Slim Pickens?
I'm thinking he sounds like Dale Dye. He's a retired USMC Captain, Vietnam Vet, actor, and military advisory in several movies and TV shows. You've seen him in quite a few war movies and as Don in the 1989 movie Always as the the Chief Smoke Jumper. He's one of the few military advisors who gets it right every time the first time when it comes to accuracy.
well for sure he is not slim.
What about those of us who were in operation frequent wind and project new arrival?
Service members who earned the AFEM for Operation Frequent Wind between 29 and 30 April 1975, may elect to receive the VSM instead of the AFEM. No service member may be issued both medals for service in Vietnam. Operation New Arrivals (April 29-September 16, 1975) was the relocation of more than 120,000 Vietnamese refugees from Pacific island staging areas to the United States. It did not qualify for the Vietnam Service medal to my knowledge.
Isn't the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with palm authorized for each service member who served in country? I'm referring to General Order 8 of the Military Assistance Command Vietnam issued in 1974. The same order authorized the Cross of Gallantry Unit Citation.
No the general authorization was for the Cross of gallantry unit citation only. Vietnamese Cross of gallantry with Palm was an individual personal award.
@@veteransmedalsworkshop-moa4376 What about Operation Eagle Pull and Operation Frequent Wind?
My father served as the national guard he didn’t have service or action so he only got the national service medal
be proud he served.
I hate to be a bother but would anyone know what the following means? My cousin served in Vietnam. SP4 - 1 MIL - INTEL DET,
VIETNAM ARCOM
It's been a nightmare trying to get any info. His death certificate says Leukemia only to years later find out the cause was exposure to A.O. He was 25. Thanks 😊 ✌💜 Thank you all for your service in such hellish conditions.
1st Military Intelligence Detatchment.
I don’t think it’s possible to definitively link leukemia to Agent Orange. After all, plenty of people who never wore a uniform also developed leukemia and all the other cancers.
Can I ask, during Vietnam, if multiples were awarded such as the Bronze Star or the Purple Heart to the same recipient, was more than one of the same medal issued, or would it be just a bronze oak leaf cluster, that would have been given out instead?
The bronze oak leaf signifies a 2nd bronze star, a silver signifies 7 bronze star awards.
@@vicO1323- A silver oak leaf cluster represents five additional awards.
For each additional award, you’re given a presentation box with a complete set of hardware - the medal, the lapel pin (or lapel button), and a single mounted ribbon with pin, as well as the appropriate number of oak leaf clusters to attach yourself. In World War II, instead of the mounted ribbon, you’d get a loose length of ribbon that theoretically you’d get mounted on a ribbon bar (if you wanted to bother with it; my father just kept the loose ribbon in the presentation box with everything else).
When displaying your awards on your uniform, whether in the form of medals or ribbons, you mount just a single medal or ribbon (one type or the other - not mixed) of each award, with the subsequent awards represented by oak leaf clusters (or stars, depending on the medal and/or the era).
Each subsequent award is represented by an individual bronze oak leaf cluster, until you pass four. Five awards are represented by a single silver oak leaf cluster. Additional bronze OLC’s are displayed to the right of the silver OLC (i.e. facing the serviceman).
Are there any medals for the Space Force branch of service, yet?
Check out the astronaut wings video...other than NASA nothing special yet.
VVA and many other organizations consider anyone who served during the time period as Vietnam Vets. Not all of us served in-country though, so not all Vietnam Vets qualify for all three medals, nor do we want any we have not honestly earned. I am not a Vietnam vet, I am a Vietnam Era vet. I wish the aforementioned organizations and companies such as MOA recognized that distinction and did not dilute the honorable service of my brothers and sisters by including my service with theirs. It is simply not honorable.
good point, I am working on a Cold War veterans video and will try an make your point. We had still significant forces deployed in Europe, Korea and the
US during the Vietnam war.
It used to be a veteran that served in combat or war zone. Now everyone is a veteran.
I only ever got ribbons. Except for my Purple Heart medals. (2). Never did get medals
You and all the World War II soldiers..but you can get them. check the VA web site for replacement medals.
Write/get in touch with your congresscritter he/she can get them for you if you have your DD214 to back up your claim to them.
Thank you Steven and all of you guys who served in combat.
At 9 minutes 10 seconds, you state all EM's serving in Vietnam would have received an Army Good Conduct Medal. Then, I got ripped off! I served honorably one year in Vietnam, got my 4 basic medals/ribbons, plus 2 ARCOM's and another unit ribbon. I was told Army Good Conduct Medals were only if you re-enlisted, e.g. served more than 3 years. I got an early drop for school, so served 2 years, 9 months and 6 hours ... Do I get any back pay to 1970 ... ha, ha.
I got mine, there is an address to write to for your medals,nI will look it up and post it. It's from the US Army.
@@tomcomiskey6350 The challenge for me is there is no Good Conduct on my DD-214. My DEROS RVN was 9 SEP 1970, so nobody at 4th I'D gave a ___, then 4.5 months at Ft. Huachuca, AZ, and out for college 2 FEB 1971. "It don't mean a thing." Hope all is well with you.
My understanding is no marks less than 3.0 earns you a good conduct award ex Navy
@@donalddodson7365 You still deserve one and should have one. I have good& bad days, The V.A. changed my meds, so I will wait and see how it works. I was already on ptsd meds and it got worse after all this shit going on , kneeling for our Flag and Anthem and burning and looting destorying history after all the shit we went through coming back from Nam it was almost like going back in time. It brought back alot of bad memories. Thanks for asking. Hope your doing good brother. Welcome home , God Bless you and yours.
Just a Nam Vet,
Tom
@@tomcomiskey6350 VA helped me with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CBT-CPT). I self-procured EMDR and Rapid Resolution Therapy (RRT). My nightmares almost stopped 7 years ago when VA put me on CPAP-APAP for severe sleep apnea. Tom, may your 2021 be filled with Peace, Love and even Joy. Blessings, Don Dodson
(4th ID, REMF, 1969-1970)
So folks like me who didn't serve during one of the four periods designated weren't defending the country? Sorry, but I don't get it.
you have a point, well taken.
DON'T forget the Vietnamese cross of gallantry
I was awarded this medal 3 times with my unit . 1Air Cav Div.
I have watched a couple of your videos and you ignore the Combat Action Ribbon for Navy and Marine combat veterans, one of the highest awards available other than the valor awards.
I will work on doing a better job since it ranks up there with the CIB.
@@veteransmedalsworkshop-moa4376 - Um, does it?
This video is not exactly accurate. Not all Vietnam Veterans should have earned "at least three" medals for service in Vietnam. Vietnam service is defined as service on the ground, in the air above or on the waters adjacent to the Republic of Vietnam. If the Vietnam Veteran spent less than six months in country that veteran would have only received the Vietnam Service Medal. The Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal was earned after six months of service in country. Whether the veteran served an entire thirteen month tour or not if the service member who served in country, in the air above or the waters adjacent to Vietnam for six months or more received the minimum of three service medals. Whether the member served less than six months or a full tour he/she, and women did serve in Vietnam, is still a Vietnam Veteran. The Good Conduct Medal was not automatically awarded to Vietnam Veterans just for service in country. The good Conduct Medal is awarded to the service member for meeting the conduct requirements of the service after a period of time specified by the service. For example, I received my Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal after meeting the Marine Corps requirements for the medal after three years of service. Since my tour of duty in Vietnam was very short, four months, I did not earn the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal but I did earn the Vietnam service Medal.
10:48 - There’s no such award as the "Combat Infantry Badge". The award you refer to is called the "Combat Infantryman Badge". (Yes, it matters.)
you are right!
You’re right
British please don't put us in a sentence implying we are like Russia here we don't give lots of medals please check British Military Medals from The Army Airforce The Navy The Royal Marines The Special forces.
you certainly make the nicest medals in the world….///
Watch out, John Kerry may ask you to throw them at somebody!
Do you guys have a store
yes indeed: www.medalsofamerica.com
Thanks but I mean a store where you can go into like a army surplus store
I ordered from your website a ribbon rack and the military medals of America book
The only RIBBOn I ever got
Is there a medal or ribbon for soldiers exposed to agent orange? My father was in Vietnam during that time. Thank you for your service
Not at this time.
Paul, unfortunately the U.S. Govt will not create/issue a medal/ribbon that directly admits the us govt made a very horrible mistake about the agent orange. I’ve always thought that agent orange was the same as roundup, but, our govt used a different coloring so as not be associated with roundup. And you can see/read/file charges against roundup makers for compensation, but not our govt for agent orange.
@@HenauderTitzauf round up is still very readily available in most big stores and hardware stores. The chemicals that are in that product can cause cancer over time too
I never got one. I loaded the darn thing. Still paying for this chemical.
@@HenauderTitzauf Agent Orange is recognized for service-connected injuries.
0:21 Incorrect. Draftees were NOT awarded the National Defense Service Medal. Only enlistees or re-enlistees were entitled to it.
Wrong. I was a proud Draftees and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal. It's listed on my DD214.
Ah, 30 days service, volunteer or drafted qualified for the NDSM during Vietnam.
@Tom Smith o
Draftees WERE awarded the NDSM -- I have it on my 214, drafted 20JUL67.
It didn't matter if you were Drafted or you Enlisted. If you earned the Medal/Award you should have been Presented with it and your DD214 should reflect it. The GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL was the only Awarded that required three years of Service and approved by a Commander, except in certain situations. So most Draftees Serving only two years Active Duty would not have been issued it.
Do CIA agents ever get any medals from the agency? I know they fight along side of the special forces sometimes.
They have a system of awards separate from the military.
@@veteransmedalsworkshop-moa4376 Would it be possible for you to make a video on their system of awards?
Thank you
I threw mine away in 1988, sick of being called a baby killer
I know what ya mean
@Wayne Collins Thank you for your service, and for the one at the airport too!
Total B.S. Dry up.
@@terryv yo man first you say a combat action ribbon is not.the same as the army combat infantry badge witch I like its neat looking.but if this guy says he got rid of his medals that is his prerogative.dont put that 1st cav attitude in to it.shit I got two hearts gave them both away.look bud Vietnam was a monumental waste of time and outstanding people.we lost.it is what it is let him say what he wants he earned it copy
@@Rollercoaster555 - Your command of the English language is breathtaking. For that, alone, you deserve an award.
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GlOD Asia NO
TOSS THESE WORTHLESS PIECES OF FABRIC AND CHEAP MEDALS TO THE GROUND!!!!