Vietnam Distinguished Service Order
Encyclopedia
The Vietnam Distinguished Service Order was a military decoration of South Vietnam
which
was awarded throughout the years of the Vietnam War
. The decoration was bestowed for meritorious or heroic deeds related to war time operations and was awarded for both combat and
non-combat service.
There were two classes of the Vietnam Distinguished Service Order, the first class being for officers and the second class for enlisted personnel. The first class of the order was differentiated by a blossom device centered on the medal and ribbon.
The Vietnam Distinguished Service Order was also provided to foreign militaries, and in the United States military the decoration was considered the equivalent of the Legion of Merit
. For foreign officers, the 2nd class of the order was also provided to officers.
The decoration ranked immediately below the National Order of Vietnam
and the Vietnam Military Merit Medal
. It was among the less commonly bestowed medals, in contrast to such decorations as the Vietnam Gallantry Cross
and Vietnam Campaign Medal
.
The last issuance of the Vietnam Distinguished Service Order was in 1974, before the Fall of Saigon
.
South Vietnam
South Vietnam was a state which governed southern Vietnam until 1975. It received international recognition in 1950 as the "State of Vietnam" and later as the "Republic of Vietnam" . Its capital was Saigon...
which
was awarded throughout the years of the Vietnam War
Vietnam War
The Vietnam War was a Cold War-era military conflict that occurred in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia from 1 November 1955 to the fall of Saigon on 30 April 1975. This war followed the First Indochina War and was fought between North Vietnam, supported by its communist allies, and the government of...
. The decoration was bestowed for meritorious or heroic deeds related to war time operations and was awarded for both combat and
non-combat service.
There were two classes of the Vietnam Distinguished Service Order, the first class being for officers and the second class for enlisted personnel. The first class of the order was differentiated by a blossom device centered on the medal and ribbon.
The Vietnam Distinguished Service Order was also provided to foreign militaries, and in the United States military the decoration was considered the equivalent of the Legion of Merit
Legion of Merit
The Legion of Merit is a military decoration of the United States armed forces that is awarded for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements...
. For foreign officers, the 2nd class of the order was also provided to officers.
The decoration ranked immediately below the National Order of Vietnam
National Order of Vietnam
The National Order of Vietnam was a combined military-civilian decoration of South Vietnam and was considered the highest honor that could be bestowed upon an individual by the Republic of Vietnam government....
and the Vietnam Military Merit Medal
Vietnam Military Merit Medal
The Vietnam Military Merit Medal was the highest military decoration of South Vietnam during the years of the Vietnam War. Created August 15, 1950, the Military Merit Medal was modelled after the French Médaille militaire, and was the Vietnamese equivalent to the United States Medal of Honor and...
. It was among the less commonly bestowed medals, in contrast to such decorations as the Vietnam Gallantry Cross
Vietnam Gallantry Cross
The Vietnam Gallantry Cross was a military decoration of South Vietnam which wasestablished in August 1950. Also known as the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, the Gallantry Cross was awarded to any military personnel who have accomplished deeds of valor or displayed heroic conduct while fighting an...
and Vietnam Campaign Medal
Vietnam Campaign Medal
The Vietnam Campaign Medal is a military recognition awarded by the Republic of Vietnam, , to any member of the United States, Australian, New Zealand and allied military forces serving six months or more in support of Republic of Vietnam military operations.Established in 1966, the decoration is...
.
The last issuance of the Vietnam Distinguished Service Order was in 1974, before the Fall of Saigon
Fall of Saigon
The Fall of Saigon was the capture of Saigon, the capital of South Vietnam, by the People's Army of Vietnam and the National Liberation Front on April 30, 1975...
.