Vietnam Service Medal Ribbon

Vietnam Service Medal Ribbon

The Vietnam Service Medal (VSM) is a decoration of the U.S. military presented to personnel of any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces who performed military service during the Vietnam War and meet specific qualifications laid out by the United States Department of Defense. To be eligible service members must have completed 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days of service relating to direct support of ground operations or maritime service directly aiding military operations within specific regions of the Republic of Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Thailand between the dates of November 15, 1961 - March 28, 1973 and April 29, 1975 - April 30, 1975. U.S. Air Force members who flew in missions over Vietnam Airspace are also eligible for the award.

The Vietnam Service Medal replaces the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (AFEM), which was awarded for service in Vietnam from 1961 to 1965. Service stars are permitted as attachments worn on the Vietnam Service Medal for recipients who participated in multiple campaigns during the Vietnam War. The Arrowhead Device is permitted to be worn on the medal for those involved in an aerial or amphibious assault.