What do the stars on the Vietnam Service Medal mean?

What do the stars on the Vietnam Service Medal mean?

Service star (campaign star): for participation in or support of operations in the seventeen designated campaigns of the Vietnam War, a 3⁄16 inch bronze service star is authorized for wear on the Vietnam Service Medal suspension and service ribbon for each of the campaigns from 15 March 1962 to 28 January 1973; a 3⁄16 …

What does a gold star mean on a ribbon?

Gold stars are worn with medals and ribbons issued by the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Public Health Service, and National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, and United States Air Force to indicate the second and subsequent awards of a particular medal.

What is the difference between the Vietnam Service Medal and the Vietnam campaign medal?

The Vietnam Service Medal is a U.S. medal introduced during the War. It was authorized by an executive order in 1965. The Republic of Vietnam Campaign medal is what is known as a foreign award, a military decoration or medal that is awarded to American troops who aided that country in a conflict.

What do the stars on ribbons mean?

Also known as Campaign or Battle Stars, bronze service stars are worn on service ribbons to denote an additional award of a medal or to indicate participation in a designated campaign. They are also used for medals issued across branches, such as the Prisoner of War Medal or the Humanitarian Service Medal.

What is a Vietnam Service Medal with two bronze stars?

Bronze Service Stars, which are also referred to as campaign stars, battle stars or engagement stars, denote participation in a particular military campaign or engagement. Multiple stars generally indicate the recipient was engaged in multiple campaigns or served a particular length of time for each star.

What is the difference between a Vietnam vet and a Vietnam era vet?

Vietnam era veterans are those who served during the time of the Vietnam war but didn’t set foot in the country of Vietnam. The Vietnam vet is one who was assigned within the combat zone of the country and it’s surrounding waters.

What is the Gold Star medal for?

These oak sprigs represent the branches of the U.S. armed services. This button is designated for family members that had a Service Member who served honorably and lost their life while on active duty but not while in armed combat. This button is authorized to be issued retroactively beginning March 29, 1973.

Who is considered a gold star family member?

Gold star families – spouses, children, parents, siblings or others whose loved one died in service to our nation – are a vital part of our country’s military community and history. How did the term gold star originate?

What does a Vietnam Service Medal look like?

The front of the Vietnam Service Medal consists of a figure of an oriental dragon behind a grove of bamboo trees that represents the subversive nature of the conflict, and the inscription reads “REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM SERVICE”.

Is a bronze star a big deal?

The Bronze Star Medal, or BSM, dates back to World War II. Today, it is the fourth-highest ranking award a service member can receive for a heroic and meritorious deed performed in an armed conflict. For those who receive the BSM, it is a signal of their sacrifice, bravery and honor while serving their country.

What does the Vietnam Service Medal look like?

Personnel are authorized one bronze campaign star for each qualifying campaign with a silver star worn in lieu of five bronze stars. The design of the medal’s suspension ribbon reflects that of the flag of the former South Vietnam — yellow with three red stripes. The green trim at the edges is suggestive of the jungle nature of the conflict.

How are Bronze Stars earned in the Vietnam War?

Bronze stars are mounted on the ribbon for participation in the below campaigns: Army and Naval service in: The Vietnam Service Medal includes these Air Force campaigns: The devices earned from these conflicts, battles, and missions and are earned for dedication, bravery, and hard work.

When was the Vietnam War Medal first awarded?

Ribbon with silver star, denoting service in 5 campaigns. The Vietnam Service Medal (VSM) was awarded to all members of the United States Armed Forces serving in Vietnam and its contiguous waters or airspace thereover, after 3 July 1965 through 28 March 1973.

How many campaign stars are on the Vietnam War Medal?

There are a total of 17 campaign stars authorized for the Vietnam Service Medal. Personnel are authorized one bronze campaign star for each qualifying campaign with a silver star worn in lieu of five bronze stars. The design of the medal’s suspension ribbon reflects that of the flag of the former South Vietnam — yellow with three red stripes.