Vietnam Service Medal

[PArebel]

Hi Folks,
I was asked today who was entitled to receive the Vietnam Service Medal. Was not sure. Would appreciate any info on the subject.
Thanks

 

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[Treasure_Hunter]

It is awarded to any service member who served on temporary duty for more than 30 consecutive days, or 60 non-consecutive days, attached to or regularly serving for one, or more, days with an organization participating in or directly supporting ground (military) operations or attached to or regularly serving for one, or more, days aboard a naval vessel directly supporting military operations in the Republic of Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos within the defined combat zone (DoD 1348 C6.6.1.1.5. revised September 1996) between the dates of 15 November 1961 and 28 March 1973, and from 29 April 1975 to 30 April 1975.

 

[SeabeeRon]

It is awarded to any service member who served on temporary duty for more than 30 consecutive days, or 60 non-consecutive days, attached to or regularly serving for one, or more, days with an organization participating in or directly supporting ground (military) operations or attached to or regularly serving for one, or more, days aboard a naval vessel directly supporting military operations in the Republic of Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos within the defined combat zone (DoD 1348 C6.6.1.1.5. revised September 1996) between the dates of 15 November 1961 and 28 March 1973, and from 29 April 1975 to 30 April 1975.

Thanks TH! I know I have one from my time (Feb'69 - Dec'72) even though I was not deployed "in country".

Do you think that gap from in mid '73 to mid '75 was due to the Paris Peace Accords or something else? Don't believe the hostilities ever ceased in that time period!

 

[Treasure_Hunter]

Thanks TH! I know I have one from my time (Feb'69 - Dec'72) even though I was not deployed "in country".

Do you think that gap from in mid '73 to mid '75 was due to the Paris Peace Accords or something else? Don't believe the hostilities ever ceased in that time period!

Most US troops were pulled out by March 1973, the last military and civilians from Embassy were evacuated on April 29 - April 30, 1973.

I also have the metal, and I never set foot on the ground, but did fly on the B52s in support of the ground troops under Operations Rolling Thunder and Arclight missions.

Here is link to time line.

https://www.historyplace.com/unitedstates/vietnam/index-1969.html

 

[PArebel]

Treasure_Hunter,
Thank you. I was discharged in 1969 and did not pay much attention to my DD-214 after that. In 2015 I joined a local Vietnam Vets of America Chapter. The secretary looked at my DD-214 and asked if I had served in Nam. Seems my 214 was missing the Vietnam Campaign Medal -boots on the ground.
I was directed to the local VA office and the staff, using some of my paperwork that I had saved, sent in a request for "correction". I did receive an update/correction and to my surprise I actually had several other medals I never knew about. Not that it means much after 50 years, but it will look good on my obituary, which I hope will not have to be posted for a long time.
For all veterans out there, make sure your DD-214 is up to date.
As far as SeaBee Ron's question. I think this is correct. The US withdrew from South Vietnam in 1973. I think April 29, 1975 and 30 April, 1975 was the evacuation effort of South Vietnam after the communist victory.
There is probably someone out there who knows more about this than me.
To all Vietnam Vets---Welcome Home. To all Vets---Thank You.

 

[SeabeeRon]

between the dates of 15 November 1961 and 28 March 1973, and from 29 April 1975 to 30 April 1975.

Thanks agin TH! It is just that last one day, 29April'75 - 30April'75 that confused me?!?