The medal reflects area of operations by ground units, ships, and aircraft provided it 9th Cav Regt., 1st Cav Div., Kaneshiro's unit was attacked by North Vietnamese troops. Task Force After fighting off the enemy, he sacrificed his life by allowing the rest of his company to return to friendly lines, while he remained alone with an injured soldier who could not be moved due to his wounds. He then directed fire at the enemy and although wounded adjusted artillery and air strikes within fifty yards of his position until the enemy had been repelled. Participation. It took an act of Congress for Etchberger to be reconsidered for this 2010 Medal of Honor, since the existence of Lima Site 85 had to be kept secret in 1968. 73 [Only those in direct support of Cambodia North Vietnam, South Vietnam, Australia, New Zealand and the United States all issued awards and decorations to their personnel during, or after, the conflict. operations commenced the next day. He killed three and wounded several others. (3) while serving with friendly foreign forces in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party. His decorations include the, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (3 awards), Navy Good Conduct Medal (3 awards) and various unit and campaign awards. (a) Be noteworthy Merchant Marine Academy National Register Nominations, The Department of Defense also offers several award options, Instructions on applyingfor this medal can be found here, Department of Defense and Foreign Government Recognition, In 1992, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced several. They represent hard work, commitment, tough decisions, bravery, and fearlessness. After all wounded had been evacuated he joined another platoon and assisted in pursuing the enemy. final years to 30 April 1975. For covering an enemy grenade with his body to protect fellow Marines on a recon mission. The unknown soldier from the Vietnam War who was buried in the Tomb of the Unknowns was authorized a Medal of Honor and in 1998 was identified as 1st Lieutenant Michael Blassie, USAF. Although wounded multiple times he continued to fight and refused medical aid until the enemy attack was over. For silencing three enemy positions and rescuing several wounded comrades. Rescued and administered first aid to several wounded soldiers and led a group to defeat an enemy force, causing them to retreat and leaving behind 54 of their dead, many weapons, and grenades. Inquiries should be directed to the Office of Sealift Support. awarded to military personnel, both South Vietnamese for twelve The 1960 device, as its known, reads the start date of the conflict and the open space after the dash was to include the end date of the Vietnam War, but because they were produced and awarded during the war no end date was added. Airborne infantry company squad leader with many decorations and awards including eight Purple Hearts in the Vietnam War: Repeateadly repulsed enemy attacks and although severely wounded was able maintain control of his unit until help could arrive, For actions during a rescue mission in enemy territory. Therefore, the country of South Vietnam's awards and decorations are considered obsolete. Eligibility for the Combat Distinguishing Device shall be based solely on acts or services by individuals who are exposed to personal hazard due to direct hostile actions, and not upon the geographical area in which the acts or services are performed. US combat forces were withdrawn in early 1973 pursuant to the Paris Peace Accords, but the war continued concluding with the Fall of Saigon on 30 April 1975.[2]. The medallion has six pointed white enamel star and six golden rays between each point in the star and has a map of Vietnam in the center of the medallion. Risked his life and led his men to repeatedly attack the enemy, assist another Marine unit that had inflicted heavy casualties and led his unit to a helicopter for evacuation. commanders with authority to award the medal), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal 8455-00-926-6784, Ref: SECNAVINST 1650.1H, Navy and Marine Corps Awards Manual. (1) Professional achievement which merits the award must: South Vietnam as a country ceased to exist after North Vietnam's victory in the Vietnam War. Thanks! RVN Campaign Medal with 1960 Device: The medal has been used in the First Indochina War from March 1949 to July 1954, and the Second Indochina War from March 1966 to the end of Vietnamese War. Repeatedly exposed himself and his armored personnel carrier to enemy fire in order to protect the other soldiers of his unit and after his vehicle was disabled, he stayed behind and was killed while providing covering fire so others could withdraw. actual combat, or duty that is equally as hazardous as combat duty, Since there is an order of precedence to these awards, here are the top 15 military medals ranked in descending order. The medal recognizes the special service prisoners of war gave to their country and the suffering and anguish they endured while incarcerated. Awarded to a person who, while serving in any capacity with the Navy or marine corps (including foreign military personnel), distinguishes him/herself after 6 December 1941, by heroic or meritorious achievement or service. He refused his own medical evacuation and instead stayed with the company until a new commander arrived. Risked his life by attacking an enemy SAM site and other enemy targets multiple times. 2. the area. operations" is defined as follows: C6.5.1.3.1.1. during the operation with armed opposition, regardless of time in 74-b/Qt, dated If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services. regularly assigned crew member of an aircraft flying into, out of, The qualifying criteria for the Medal are service of one day or more as a member or crew of a ship or aircraft operating in the prescribed area of operations of Vietnam in support of Australian forces, or service of one day or more within the prescribed area of operations of Vietnam while attached to a unit or organisation in support of Australian forces. United Statesparticipated, as members of U.S. military units Medal of Honor to be Awarded to Marine for Hue City Heroism By Debbie Gregory A retired Marine credited with . Vietnamese counteroffensive as well as the U.S. air offensive of 1972. Warner He was directly responsible for saving the lives of several of his comrades, and inflicting serious damage on the enemy. Awarded to military personnel of all grades and civilians who render staff service to the Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces through outstanding initiative and devotion to their assigned duty. Awards for valor recognize bravery in action against an enemy and have an attached "V" device valor device. Vietnam Service Medal. The medal was intended to recognise the Australian servicemen and civilians who provided support for Australian troops. (1) while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States; States who between March 1, 1961 and March 28, 1973: C7.5.1.6.1. The AFEM, authorized by E.O. Campaign Medal. Sacrificed his life to shield another soldier from a rocket blast, absorbing the full blast with his body. Established by the Republic Sacrificed his life in an attempt to assist a wounded soldier, Along with another soldier attacked and defeated multiple enemy bunkers. Killed protecting others during an ambush, Risked his life by flying his helicopter into heavy enemy fire to evacuate several wounded passengers and aircrew of a downed helicopter, Threw himself on an enemy grenade as it exploded, saving the lives of four comrades at the sacrifice of his life, For rescuing a downed airman despite heavy fire. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. [14], List of Medal of Honor recipients for the Vietnam War, Phuoc VinhBnh Dng ProvinceSouth Vietnam, Dak ToQuang Trang ProvinceSouth Vietnam, Bong SonBnh nh ProvinceSouth Vietnam, Phu BaiTha Thin ProvinceSouth Vietnam, PhuocLacBin Ha ProvinceSouth Vietnam, The Medal of Honor Historical Society of the United States at, defending Camp Nam Dong against a Viet Cong attack, Tet offensive attack on Tan Son Nhut Air Base, United States Army Center of Military History, http://www.cmohs.org/medal-statistics.php, "President announces 24 Soldiers to receive Medals of Honor", "Obama to award Medal of Honor to two dozen veterans, including 19 discrimination victims", "President Obama to Award Medal of Honor", "Vietnam Unknown's Medal of Honor Transfer Denied", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=List_of_Medal_of_Honor_recipients_for_the_Vietnam_War&oldid=1132543066, Killed while flying his helicopter in a rescue mission, Distinguished himself during 38 hours of close-combat battle against Viet Cong forces during the, After participating in the defeat of an enemy assault he was killed in hand-to-hand combat, For disrupting an enemy raid and saving the lives of several comrades, For covering an enemy grenade with his body to protect fellow Marines. Risked his life to save the lives of a number of his fellow soldiers, Sacrificed his life to save the lives of several Marines by taking out an enemy bunker, Risked his own life to allow his unit to escape, Saved the life of his superior officer and allowed the other members of his patrol to escape, Risked his life to assist in the rescue of three downed aviators. The bronze plaque is awarded to the ship. While attempting to rescue three wounded soldiers despite heavy enemy fire, he was able to carry two of the men to safety but was killed while trying to rescue the third. Awarded for maritime service between July 4, 1965and August 15, 1973, in waters adjacent to Vietnam. C6.5.1.3.1. For smothering a grenade blast with his body. The Medal of Honor was created during the American Civil War and is the highest military decoration presented by the United States government to a member of its armed forces. Be engaged in Fought off an enemy attack until killed by an enemy rocket, Killed by enemy mortar fire while attempting to rescue several injured Marines, For courageous leadership on an eight-man Marine recon patrol, Risked his life to render medical aid to several injured soldiers and protected them until they could be evacuated, For attempting to aid a critically wounded, For smothering an explosion with his body to protect those around him, Sacrificed his life and attacked a group of enemy soldiers so that several injured members of his squad could escape, Risked his life to protect several wounded soldiers by smothering a grenade with his body. Sims threw himself onto a triggered booby-trap device. The "V" device may only be worn if specifically authorized in the citation. 3rd Battalion, 9th Marines has been presented with the following awards: Read more about this topic: 3rd Battalion 9th Marines, During the Suffragette revolt of 1913 I [urged] that what was needed was not the vote, but a constitutional amendment enacting that all representative bodies shall consist of women and men in equal numbers, whether elected or nominated or coopted or registered or picked up in the street like a coroners jury. Outstanding and worthy of special recognition, but not to the degree required for the Bronze Star Medal or Air Medal when combat is involved or the Meritorious Service Medal or Air Medal when combat is not involved. For smothering a grenade blast with his body. For example, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal has the U.S.s national colors in the center, light blue sections on either side to represent water or overseas service, and the colors on the outward edge of the ribbon represent areas of the world American troops may go for service. Over 350,000 medals and war zone ribbons have been distributed to eligible merchant mariners for approved conflicts. Although wounded by a rocket he led his platoon in a patrol when enemy forces attacked with machine gun, mortars and rocket fire. Our range of Marine medals includes Marine Distinguished Service medals, the Marine Corps Expeditionary medal, Marine Corps Good Conduct medal, as well as many others including location-specific accolades such as those earned for service in Afghanistan or Iraq. [1], The Vietnam War, (also known as the Second Indochina War, Vietnam Conflict, and in Vietnam as the American War), took place from 1955 to 1975. A lock ( LockA locked padlock ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. An accumulation of minor acts of heroism normally does not justify the award, but unusual or exceptional cases will be decided on their merits. Served outside of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, hostile action by foreign armed forces Awards and decorations of the Vietnam War were military decorations which were bestowed by the major warring parties that participated in the Vietnam War. The Purple Heart. have directly participated for six months in "a large-scale military Star device applies to an individual assigned to a Brigade or (1) while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States; WASHINGTON, DC 20590 Rescued a wounded comrade and then smothered the blast of an enemy-thrown grenade with his body to protect other soldiers. Awarded to a person who, while serving in any capacity with the Navy or Marine Corps, distinguishes himself by extraordinary heroism not justifying the Medal of Honor. Military medals can be awarded by the U.S. Congress, Department of Defense, and even by each individual military branch: Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard. Australian servicemen were also awarded a number of individual US and South Vietnamese awards, and the following unit citations: Awards and decorations of the Vietnam War, "Awards and decorations of the Vietnam War", Learn how and when to remove this template message, South Vietnamese decorations for United States Service Members, British and Commonwealth orders and decorations, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation, Australian Government Campaign Medals page, New Zealand Defence Force Vietnam Medal Page, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Awards_and_decorations_of_the_Vietnam_War&oldid=1127568333, Articles lacking sources from August 2017, All articles with specifically marked weasel-worded phrases, Articles with specifically marked weasel-worded phrases from March 2022, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 15 December 2022, at 13:02. Risked his life to repel the enemy and protect his soldiers during an enemy assault on his firebase. For absorbing an explosive charge and continuing to fight with weapons and hand to hand before successfully defending a bunker. To justify the decoration, the individual's service must clearly be rendered conspicuous above their comrades by an act so outstanding that it clearly distinguishes their gallantry beyond the call of duty from lesser forms of bravery; and it must be the type of deed which if not done would not subject the individual to any justified criticism. The reverse of all new medals is a shield adapted from the Seal of the U.S. Maritime Service. They were the last of the 235 servicemen awarded the Medal of Honor during the Vietnam War and in the following twelve months. combat support to the RVN Armed Forces for an aggregate of six medal awarded to marines at nam phong. Saved wounded Americans on a search and clear operation, Although wounded he directed fire on enemy positions and continued to fight until he died from his wounds, Was killed while attempting to rescue a wounded soldier from a personnel carrier. In 1974, due to the standard of excellence expected and achieved, the Red Devils received the coveted Robert M. Hanson "Marine Fighter Attack Squadron of the Year" award. U.S. OPERATIONS OF ASSISTANCE Continued to lead his squad, fight the enemy, and help the wounded despite being wounded himself four separate times. Risked his life to treat 6070 personnel, despite being wounded multiple times during, For efforts in directing an air strike on enemy forces. or inactive duty, of the grade of lieutenant commander/major and below. Merchant Marine prior to Pearl Harbor. Repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire to attend to the fallen and eliminate an enemy rocket position. Australia and New Zealand jointly developed and instituted the Vietnam Medal (though separate Royal Warrants were issued). He received it for exposing himself to enemy gunfire multiple times. After being shot in the hand by a sniper, he exposed himself to enemy gunfire and charged a machine gun, killing the enemy there. A list of awards Marines can potentially earn through combat service. in a U.S. military operation in which Service members of any The Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces, including members of Reserve components on active (2) while engaged in military operation involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or The award shall be presented for meritorious service or achievement in combat or non-combat circumstances based on sustained performance or specific achievement of a superlative nature, and shall be of such merit as to warrant more recognition than is possible by a fitness report or performance evaluation, but which is not significant enough to justify a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal or higher. "Direct support" Second conscientious objector to receive the Medal of Honor. The first combat aircraft arrived within Repeatedly attacked the enemy and although severely wounded risked his life to rescue several wounded soldiers, For using his body to shield a fellow Marine from a grenade blast, Repeatedly attacked and defended his unit from enemy fire and assisted 8 wounded men who were trapped behind enemy lines, Killed while attacking a group of enemy soldiers, Provided medical treatment to fellow soldiers while under heavy fire, despite being wounded twice, during, Repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire to man several different machine-guns until the enemy had been fought back, For smothering explosive blasts with his body to protect those around him, Risked his life to fly his heavily damaged plane back to base to relay the location of a downed pilot. 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