Republic of Vietnam (RVN) Campaign Medal
Criteria: A military award of South Vietnam established in 1966. Awarded to any member of the United States military who completed at least six months of duty in the Republic of Vietnam between the dates of March 1, 1961 and March 28, 1973. The decoration may also be awarded to any service member who, while serving outside the geographical limits of South Vietnam, provided direct combat support to the Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces for a period exceeding six months. In such cases, a service member must have been awarded either the Vietnam Service Medal or the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (for service in a Vietnam campaign) to be eligible. For those U.S. service members who were wounded by an enemy force, captured by the enemy in the line of duty, or killed in action, the Vietnam Campaign Medal is automatically awarded regardless of total time served in Vietnam. The Vietnam Campaign Medal is issued with a device known as the “1960 Bar”. The bar displays the date of 1960 followed by a dash and a blank space.
Were sailors from the 'Hawk eligible to receive this South Vietnamese award? If so, when was it awarded or authorized?
I was aboard from '62 to '66. I received the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry and the National Defense Medal. I opted for the Vietnam Service Medal in lieu of the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (like Guy Bowles received)since the Vietnam Service Medal was newly authorized for wear. I was told I could receive one, but not both. My DD214 does not show the green and white Vietnam Campaign Medal with the date bar, although it shows the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry as a foreign decoration.
Don Sooby
V-3 Div
1962-1966
I was on the 72 WestPac and my DD214 does NOT show it awarded to me.LOL
I always thought the records didn't get properly updated due to the race riot tying up Legal and Personel.
I served aboard the hawk in V-3 Div from 67, 68, and part of 69 before cross decking to the Constellation and I got the VSM and VCM from the Hawk along with the Armed Forces Expeditionary, Navy Unit Commendation and others.
