1. 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).
2. Ribbon: The ribbon is 1 3/8 inches wide and
consists of the following stripes: 3/8 inch Old Glory Red 67156; center 5/8 inch
Golden Yellow 67104 with 16 strands of Old Glory Red; and 3/8 inch Old Glory
Red.
3. Criteria:
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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. [Emphasis added]
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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.
4. Components: The following are authorized
components of the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross:
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Medal (regular size): Not issued. Available
commercially.
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Medal (miniature size): Not issued. Available
commercially.
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Ribbon: MIL-R-11589/173. Commercially available.
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Streamers: Awarded to cited units. Inscription is
as indicated on the unit's lineage and honors. Requisition in accordance with
Chapter 9, Army Regulation (AR) 840-10.
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Unit Award: Commercially available.
5. Background:
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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.
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Only one emblem (with palm) will be worn
regardless of the number of times the unit was awarded the RVN Gallantry Cross.
The Army initially authorized the wear of a fourragere by letter AGPB-AC,
Subject: Wear of Vietnamese Unit Awards by U.S. Army Personnel, dated 11
February 1969, for units which had been awarded the RVN Gallantry Cross with
palm on two or more occasions. Department of the Army message 111030Z April
1974, established the policy that only one emblem was authorized, thus
precluding the wear of the Vietnamese fourrageres which represented multiple
awards.
This information may also be found at:
http://www.tioh.hqda.pentagon.mil/Awards/VIETNAM GALLANTRY CROSS1.html
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