The Vietnam Service Medal (VSM) recognizes U.S. military service in the Vietnam War. This article details the medal’s history, eligibility criteria, design, and associated campaign periods. It’s a crucial resource for veterans, historians, and anyone interested in U.S. military decorations.
Eligibility for the Vietnam Service Medal
Established by Executive Order 11213 on July 8, 1965, the VSM honors service members who served in designated areas of Southeast Asia between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973. These areas include:
- Vietnam and its adjacent waters and airspace
- Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and their airspace, in direct support of Vietnam operations
Service members awarded the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (AFEM) for Vietnam service between July 1958 and July 1965 could exchange it for the VSM. However, wearing both medals for Vietnam service is prohibited.
Vietnam Service Medal Campaign Periods
The Department of Defense recognizes 17 campaigns for VSM eligibility:
- Vietnam Advisory Campaign: March 15, 1962 – March 7, 1965
- Vietnam Defense Campaign: March 8, 1965 – December 24, 1965 (VSM eligibility begins July 4, 1965)
- Vietnam Counteroffensive Campaign: December 25, 1965 – June 30, 1966
- Vietnam Counteroffensive Phase II: July 1, 1966 – May 31, 1967
- Vietnam Counteroffensive Phase III: June 1, 1967 – January 29, 1968
- Tet Counteroffensive: January 30, 1968 – April 1, 1968
- Vietnam Counteroffensive Phase IV: April 2, 1968 – June 30, 1968
- Vietnam Counteroffensive Phase V: July 1, 1968 – November 1, 1968
- Vietnam Counteroffensive Phase VI: November 2, 1968 – February 22, 1969
- Tet ’69 Counteroffensive: February 23, 1969 – June 8, 1969
- Vietnam Summer-Fall 1969: June 9, 1969 – October 31, 1969
- Vietnam Winter-Spring 1970: November 1, 1969 – April 30, 1970
- Sanctuary Counteroffensive: May 1, 1970 – June 30, 1970
- Vietnam Counteroffensive VII: July 1, 1970 – June 30, 1971
- Consolidation I: July 1, 1971 – November 30, 1971
- Consolidation II: December 1, 1971 – March 20, 1972
- Vietnam Cease-Fire Campaign: March 30, 1972 – January 28, 1973
Vietnam Service Medal Design and Ribbon
Designed by Thomas H. Jones, the VSM features a dragon behind bamboo on the front, symbolizing South Vietnam. The reverse depicts a crossbow and torch, traditional Vietnamese symbols. The inscription “Republic of Vietnam Service” appears on the front, and “United States of America” on the back. The ribbon is predominantly yellow with three thin red stripes and green edges. Campaign stars denote the number of campaigns served.
Authorized Devices and Point Value
Authorized devices for the Vietnam Service Medal include bronze and silver service stars. The Weighted Airman Promoted System point value for the VSM is 0.
Conclusion
The Vietnam Service Medal stands as a testament to the service and sacrifice of American military personnel during the Vietnam War. Understanding its history, criteria, and symbolism provides valuable context to this significant military decoration. The VSM serves as a lasting tribute to those who served in Southeast Asia during this tumultuous period.
