US Vietnam Service Medal Full Size

The US Vietnam Service Medal Full Size is an official United States military decoration awarded to members of the Armed Forces who served in the Vietnam War between July 3, 1965, and March 28, 1973. The medal features a yellow ribbon with three red stripes, symbolizing the flag of the former Republic of Vietnam, and green borders representing the Vietnamese jungles. The obverse displays an oriental dragon crossing the sea, denoting the United States’ military involvement in the region. The reverse bears the inscriptions “REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM SERVICE” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.” Eligibility for the medal required service in Vietnam, neighboring countries, or in certain offshore waters and airspace. Service stars and arrowhead devices could be attached to the ribbon to denote participation in specific campaigns or combat landings. The Vietnam Service Medal remains an important recognition of service during a significant conflict in US military history.