Display No. 21J
Campaign Medals – Vietnam War
Campaign or service medals are awarded to those who serve in specified campaigns or military operations. They recognise general military service in war (in contrast to Decorations which are issued for acts of heroism and bravery). The Vietnam War was fought between communist North Vietnam and US-backed South Vietnam and their allies, including New Zealand. This was the first time NZ did not fight alongside its traditional ally, the United Kingdom, instead aligning itself with the United States and Australia. Over 3000 New Zealanders, military and civilian, served in Vietnam between 1963 and 1975. However, no Royal New Zealand Navy ship was sent and only 26 RNZN personnel served in Vietnam, the majority in the NZ Services Medical Team.
Medal(s)
Medal Description [Left to Right]:
The Vietnam Medal
New Zealand and Australia jointly developed and instituted the Vietnam Medal in 1968 to recognise service in the Vietnam War. It was awarded for service between 28 May 1964 and 27 January 1973 of: one or more days on land, one operational sortie by air, 28 days at sea off the coast, or 30 days cumulative on official or inspection visits. The ribbon is yellow with three central red stripes (to represent the flag of South Vietnam) edged with stripes of dark blue, light blue and red (representing the Navy, Air Force and Army).
The South Vietnamese Campaign Medal
Issued by the Government of South Vietnam to local and allied forces who served in Vietnam. New Zealanders who had six months service in Vietnam between 1964 and 1973 became eligible for the South Vietnamese Campaign Medal in 1966 when permission was granted for it to be worn. The date clasp ‘1960’ is worn on the ribbon of the full size and miniature medals. The ribbon of the medal is green to represent freedom with three vertical white stripes to represent purity.