The Vietnam Armed Forces Honor Medal was a military decoration of South Vietnam that was first created in 1953. The medal was issued in 1st and 2nd class grades and reached its height of bestowals during the Vietnam War years. The medal was also one of the more commonly award medals to members of foreign militaries and was frequently bestowed to members of the United States Armed Forces.
The Vietnam Armed Forces Honor Medal was awarded to any member of the military who actively contributed to the formation and organization of the Vietnamese military and who actively participating in cadre training of Vietnamese units. The medal was only awarded for non-combat service and was comparable to the United States military award of the Commendation Medal.
The first class medal was issued to commissioned officers and the second class medals were issued to warrant officers and enlisted personnel. The two grades of the Vietnam Armed Forces Honor Medal were distinguished by the medal's medallion, gold for 1st class and silver for 2nd class. The medal's suspension and service ribbons for the 2 grades were distinguished by a yellow and red pattern for the 1st class and two red patterns until the end of each side of the ribbon for the 2nd class. Also, the vertical ribbon stripes of the 1st class were light blue, while the vertical ribbon stripes of the second class were greenish. The first class medal was issued to commissioned officers while the second class was bestowed upon warrant officers and enlisted personnel.
The South Vietnam Armed Forces Honor Medal is considered obsolete. Today, the medal is only available through private dealers in military insignia.
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