Vietnam Service War Medal, in original box with Ribbon and Bar, USA

Vietnam Service Medal

Years of Service : 1965 - 1973

Original Medal Set, with Pendant(medal), Service Ribbon, Clip and Bar in Original box dated 1969

The Vietnam Service Medal Set was issued to all branches of the US Military that served in the Vietnam War, from 1965 to 1973. Original Medal in box as issued. Box is dated 1969

Authorised by executive order on July 8th, 1965 for US military personnel serving in the Vietnam theater of operations after July 3rd, 1965 through to March 28, 1973. Personnel must have served in Vietnam or on temporary duty for at least 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days. Or have served in combat with a unit directly supporting military action in Southeast Asia in order to qualify for the medal. Military personnel serving in Laos, Cambodia or Thailand in direct support of operations in Vietnam were also eligible for this award.

The front of the medal depicts a dragon entangled in a grove of bamboo trees. While the back depicts a crossbow with a torch. The ribbon is evokes the flag of the Vietnamese Republic with it's gold and red. The red Stripes represent the three ancient Vietnamese empires of Cochin China, Tonkin and Annam. The green at the edges represents the Vietnamese forests that so typified the jungle warfare.