Vietnam Service Medal

The Vietnam Service Medal (VSM) is a military award established to recognize members of the U.S. Armed Forces who served in support of U.S. military operations in Vietnam and surrounding areas during the Vietnam War. **History** The VSM was established by Executive Order 11231 on July 8, 1965, in the context of the Vietnam War. It was created to honor personnel who served in Vietnam and provided support to allied forces and operations in Southeast Asia. The medal is intended to acknowledge the service of service members who participated in military actions during a specific timeframe, acknowledging various campaigns and operations conducted in Vietnam. **Eligibility and Criteria** To be eligible for the Vietnam Service Medal, service members must have met certain criteria: 1. **Time of Service**: Personnel must have served in the Republic of Vietnam or adjacent waters during the period from July 4, 1965, to March 28, 1973. 2. **Deployment Duration**: Members must have been assigned or attached to, or mobilized with, units operating in Vietnam for 30 consecutive days or for 60 non-consecutive days, or engaged in combat operations regardless of time served. 3. **Commissioned Service**: The medal is awarded to active members of the Navy, Marine Corps, Army, and Air Force; it is not awarded retroactively for service prior to July 4, 1965, or after the eligibility period. **Notable Campaigns and Devices** The Vietnam Service Medal comes with the provision for campaign stars. Service members who serve in designated campaigns that are recognized by the Department of Defense may earn bronze or silver stars to denote participation in multiple campaigns. Campaigns recognized for the medal include: - Vietnam Defense Campaign - Vietnam Counteroffensive - Tet Offensive - Vietnam Counteroffensive Phase II - And several other specified operations throughout the Vietnam War. Each bronze star represents participation in a single campaign, while five bronze stars can be replaced with a silver star. **Elements of the Award** The Vietnam Service Medal consists of a medal and a ribbon but does not come with a citation or certificate upon award. Service members may wear the medal on their uniform along with any stars earned for their campaigns. **Notable Recipients** While specific notable recipients of the Vietnam Service Medal are not detailed in the provided information, countless service members across all branches earned the medal for their service in Vietnam. Recognition of the contributions made during this turbulent time is a significant aspect of military history. **Regulations and Award Process** The authority to award the Vietnam Service Medal lies with commanding officers who can confirm eligibility based on service records. Appropriate documentation must be filed in the service member's official records to reflect the award. The Vietnam Service Medal is a significant symbol of recognition for those who served in Vietnam and reflects the commitment and sacrifices of U.S. military personnel during a challenging era in American history.