Vietnam Service Medal — Military Decorations
Vietnam Service Medal Medal and Ribbon Design Images
The Vietnam Service Medal is a silver circle with a dragon hiding in bamboo emblazoned on the front. The words "The Vietnam War" is written below the image.
What is the Vietnam Service Medal Decoration?
The Vietnam Service Medal is awarded to all members of the U.S. Armed Forces who served in Vietnam and in around the waters and airspace. It is for those who served between July of 1965 to March of 1973. Those who served in Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia while providing direct support are also eligible for the medal. The medal can receive a bronze service star for every qualifying campaign that member serves as directed by their leadership.
The United States military sorts decorations into categories called Classes and Types. The Vietnam Service Medal medal is classified as a Service Award of the type Campaign Medal.
How Do You Earn the Vietnam Service Medal?
Service in geographical theater areas of Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia from 4 July 1965 through 28 March 1973, and 29-30 April 1975 for evacuation of Saigon (USN, USMC, and USAF). From 1 July 1958 through 3 July 1965, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal was issued for initial operations in South Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, and may be exchanged for the VSM.
Displaying the Vietnam Service Medal
The Order of Precedence of the Vietnam Service Medal is 89, and this precedence is used when placing the associated service ribbon on your uniform ribbon rack. You can see a full list of decorations in the order of precedence on the Decorations homepage.
This ribbon is worn between the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal and the Southwest Asia Service Medal
Vietnam Service Medal Associated Branches
Army |
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Navy |
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Marine Corps |
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Coast Guard |
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Vietnam Service Medal Associated Branches
Army |
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Navy |
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Air Force |
|
Marine Corps |
 |
Coast Guard |
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Vietnam Service Medal and the Stolen Valor Act
The Stolen Valor Act of 2013 is a federal law that makes it illegal for any person to falsely claim to be the recipient of certain military awards, "with the intention of obtaining money, property, or other tangible benefit by convincing another that he or she received the award".This decoration is covered by the Stolen Valor act. Fraudulently claiming to have received a Vietnam Service Medal can result in punishment including a fine, imprisonment for not more than one year, or both
