1. Description: A Gold color medal, 1 3/8 inches in width,
consisting of a wreath superimposed by two crossed scimitars saltirewise and a Maltese
cross. In the center of the Maltese cross a disc with an outline of the country of Vietnam
between two palm sprigs joined at the bottom and a scroll overall inscribed "QUOC-GIA
LAO-TUONG" (Reward of the State).
2. Ribbon: The ribbon is 1 3/8 inches wide and consists of
the following stripes: 3/8 inch Old Glory Red 67156; center 5/8 inch Golden Yellow 67104
with 16 strands of Old Glory Red; and 3/8 inch Old Glory Red.
3. Criteria: a. U.S. Military units were individually cited
for award of the Republic of Vietnam (RVN) Gallantry Cross; however, the Vietnamese
Government issued the award to all units subordinate to Military Assistance Command (MACV)
during the period 8 February 1962 and 28 March 1973 and to U.S. Army Vietnam and its
subordinate units for the period 20 July 1965 to 28 March 1973. This permits all personnel
who served in Vietnam to wear the RVN Gallantry Cross unit citation.
b. The medal was awarded by the Vietnam Government
to military personnel who have accomplished deeds of valor or displayed heroic conduct
while fighting the enemy and have been cited individually at the regiment, brigade,
division, corps, or armed forces level.
4. Components: The following are authorized components of
the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross:
a. Medal (regular size): Not issued. Available
commercially.
b. Medal (miniature size): Not issued. Available
commercially.
c. Ribbon: MIL-R-11589/173. Commercially available.
d. Streamers: Awarded to cited units. Inscription is
as indicated on the unit's lineage and honors. Requisition in accordance with Chapter 9,
Army Regulation (AR) 840-10.
e. Unit Award: Commercially available.
5. Background: a. The RVN Gallantry Cross was established by
the Vietnam Government by Decree No. 74-b/Qt, dated 15 August 1950 and Decree No.
96/DQT/HC, dated 2 May 1952. Authorization for all U.S. Army personnel was confirmed in
HDQA General Orders No. 8, dated 19 March 1974.
b. Only one emblem (with palm) will be worn
regardless of the number of times the unit was awarded the RVN Gallantry Cross. The Army
initially authorized the wear of a fourragere by letter AGPB-AC, Subject: Wear of
Vietnamese Unit Awards by U.S. Army Personnel, dated 11 February 1969, for units which had
been awarded the RVN Gallantry Cross with palm on two or more occasions. Department of the
Army message 111030Z April 1974, established the policy that only one emblem was
authorized, thus precluding the wear of the Vietnamese fourrageres which represented
multiple awards.
