RVN Armed Forces Honor Medal

[stratasfan]

The RVN Armed Forces Honor Medal without ribbon devices was widely presented to U.S. officers and men after six months of staff service in combat or non-combat units. The award was originally entitled in French as La Medaille du Merite Vietnamien and was intended for “French or foreign military men who participate in the capacity of advisors or contribute to the organization of the National Army. There are French-made versions, and American made versions which most closely follow the original Vietnamese design. Large images of the medals are Vietnamese, while miniature medals are American made. They were presented by the Republic of Vietnam for contributions to the formation and organization of the Armed Forces and the training of troops and technical cadres of the various branches and intended for non-combat achievements. This medal is now considered obsolete.

 

Description: Front: a cross form couped with additional points reflected down the arms and with thin blade points coming between the arms, and in the central disk, a coiled dragon with a ribbon around inscribed, with a wreath of oak leaves around the design of the cross arms, 38mm. Back: plain. Suspension is by a laurel wreath.

 

First Class
Purpose: For officers.
Description: Gold. The ribbon is yellow 1˚mm, red 6mm, yellow 3mm, light blue 3mm, yellow 3mm, light blue 3mm, yellow 3mm, light blue 3mm, yellow 3mm, red 6mm, yellow 1˚ mm. Device on the service bar is a gold eagle with a shield on breast and holding swords.

 

Second Class
Purpose: For NCO’s and enlisted men.
Description: Silver. The ribbon is 7˚mm, yellow 3mm, light blue 3mm, yellow 3mm, light blue 3mm, yellow 3mm, light blue 3mm, yellow 3mm, red 7˚mm. Device on the service bar is a silver eagle with a shield on its breast and holding swords.

 

 

2nd Class award (Enlisted Personnel) [Courtesy of @GIKyle]: