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South Vietnam - Decorations

The Vietnamese tradition emphasized formal honors for achievement and the attitude persisted in the military service. Soldiers were proud of their medals and frequently wore the full decoration rather than the ribbon bar on their duty uniforms. Decorations were customarily presented by the President or his representative at a special ceremony held soon - usually within two weeks - after the achievement for which it is awarded.

In 1949, when Vietnam had achieved limited autonomy as a member of the French Union, the government established four special military awards: the National Order; the Medal of Military Merit; the Cross of Valor; and the Medal of Honor and Merit. In addition to personal awards, "honor flags" were presented to units for outstanding combat achievement.

The National Order, the Republic's highest decoration, which resembled the French Legion of Honor, was composed of five classes - from highest to lowest: Grand Cross; Grand Officer; Commander; Officer; and Knight. The medals of the first two were pinned on the left side of the chest below the breast pocket and are worn with a shoulder ribbon; the third was suspended on a ribbon worn around the neck; the last two were suspended from ribbons pinned on the chest.

The Medal of Military Merit, comparable to the United States Distinguished Service Cross, was awarded to enlisted men and occasionally to officers for exceptional military valor. It may also be awarded to civilians for outstandingly courageous action against an armed enemy. The Cross of Valor resembled the French Croix de Guerre in appearance. and was comparable to the United States Bronze Star. It was awarded in four grades, with bronze, silver and gold stars, and with bronze palms.