The system of Orders, decorations, and medals of South Vietnam came into being with the establishment of the National Order of Vietnam in 1950. Established by Bảo Đại, the head of state of the State of Vietnam, the order was the highest award of the state for both civilians and military personnel. This level of precedence continued under the government of South Vietnam. Lower ranking awards for both the military and civilians were subsequently established. The systems of civilian and military awards had their own order of precedence.
National Order of Vietnam Grand Knight Cross Grand Officer Commander Officer Knight
Military awards and decorations
Military awards are worn in the following order:
Military Merit MedalDistinguished Service Order Army First Class Army Second Class Air Force First Class Air Force Second Class Navy First Class Navy Second Class
Meritorious Service Medal Army Meritorious Service Medal Air Force Meritorious Service Medal Navy Meritorious Service Medal
Special Service MedalGallantry Cross Gallantry Cross with Palm (cited at the Armed Forces level)
Gallantry Cross with Gold Star (cited at the Corps level)
Gallantry Cross with Silver Star (cited at the Division level)
Gallantry Cross with Bronze Star (cited at the Regiment or Brigade level) Gallantry Cross Unit Award
Air Gallantry Cross Navy Gallantry Cross Hazardous Service Medal Life Saving Medal Loyalty Medal Wound MedalArmed Forces Honor Medal 1st class 2nd class
Leadership MedalStaff Service Medal 1st class 2nd class
Technical Service Medal 1st class 2nd class
Training Service Medal 1st class 2nd class
Civil Actions Medal 1st class 2nd class Unit Citation
Good Conduct Medal Vietnam Campaign Medal Medal for Campaigns Outside the FrontierMilitary Service MedalAir Service MedalNavy Service MedalCivilian awards and decorations
Civilian awards are worn in the following order:
Kim Khanh MedalChuong My Medal 1st Class 2nd Class
Administrative Service MedalDedicated Service MedalJustice MedalCultural and Educational Service MedalPublic Health Service MedalSocial Service MedalEconomic Service MedalFinance Service MedalPsychological Warfare MedalAgricultural Service MedalPublic Works, Communication and Transportation Service MedalLabor MedalRural Revolutionary Development MedalEthnic Development MedalVeterans MedalPolice Merit MedalPolice Honor MedalPeople's Self-Defense MedalYouth and Sports Service medalHamlet Common Defense MedalThese awards are not listed in the order of precedence for military or civilian awards:
Medal of UnityMedal of Sacrifice Vietnam Presidential Unit CitationMany of the South Vietnamese military awards and decorations were awarded to members of foreign military forces fighting with and advising the South Vietnamese military. Some civilian awards were also presented, but their acceptance and wear was limited by the recipients' governments.
