Vietnam Service Medal: Presentation and Eligibility During the Vietnam War
The Vietnam Service Medal was a symbol of honor and recognition given to U.S. military personnel who served in the Republic of Vietnam. However, the manner in which this medal was presented upon a soldier's return from the Vietnam War varied greatly. Personal experiences with the presentation of this medal shed light on the recognition and the context in which it was awarded.
The Vietnam Service Medal: An Overview
The Vietnam Service Medal was established by the U.S. Department of Defense in 1965. It was a silver medal that featured the approximate diameter of 1.5 inches and carried the image of a single star in the republic's seal. The medal symbolized the service, dedication, and sacrifice of U.S. military personnel during the Vietnam War.
Medal Presentation and Awards Ceremony
According to records and personal accounts, the Vietnam Service Medal was not always presented in a formal ceremony. Instead, the process varied:
Formal Ceremonies: Only in a select few cases, the medal was awarded in a formal ceremony with the awarding of other medals. The soldiers were typically called forward to receive the medal in the presence of commanding officers or representatives from the Department of Defense. Individual Recognition: On many occasions, the medal was simply presented to soldiers upon their return to the United States. In such cases, soldiers might only be called out by their names for recognition, often accompanied by a certificate rather than the actual medal. No Formal Acknowledgment: Unfortunately, some soldiers received the Vietnam Service Medal with no official recognition at all. The medal would be included in a routine packet of paperwork as they were processed out of the country.In some instances, the medal turning up on one's records indicated that the soldier had served in a designated area of the Republic of Vietnam. However, it was not necessarily worn or officially presented at the same time as other medals. This created a disparity in how the medal was perceived and recognized.
Personal Experiences
A personal experience shared by a Vietnam veteran illustrates this process. The narrator states, Mine just showed up on my records. No ceremony, just a certificate in a packet of record stuff that was handed to me at some point as I out-processed country. Of course, it was certainly not considered any big deal since everyone there got one. Just one of those things at the time. This firsthand account helps to humanize the experience of receiving the medal and the lack of ceremony that often surrounded it.
Documentation and Eligibility Criteria
According to some records, the Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to service members who served in the Republic of Vietnam after January 27, 1965, and before August 15, 1973. However, it should be noted that the medal was not always presented, and in some cases, only the eligibility detail was noted in the 201 file. This means that the medal may have not been worn or recognized at the time, but could be claimed and worn later based on the records of service.
This document noted in the 201 file states, Not presented, but worn with other awards! This line indicates that while the medal may have not been officially presented or worn during service, it could certainly be worn later based on the service record.
These varied experiences highlight the complexity and the nuances of the Vietnam Service Medal's presentation during the Vietnam War. The medal was recognized as a symbol of service, yet the manner of its presentation often fell short of its intended recognition.
Conclusion
The Vietnam Service Medal's presentation during the Vietnam War was not a uniform experience. Unlike some other medals that were presented in formal ceremonies, the Vietnam Service Medal often came without any notable recognition. This article provides insight into the personal experiences and documents related to the presentation and eligibility of the Vietnam Service Medal, offering a more comprehensive understanding of its significance and recognition.