Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross

Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross
Name	Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross
Awarded by	Republic of Vietnam
Type	Military decoration
Eligibility	Military personnel and civilians
For	Acts of valor or meritorious service
Campaign	Vietnam War
Status	No longer awarded
First award	1950
Last award	1975
Higher	National Order of Vietnam
Lower	Vietnam Military Merit Medal
Related	Vietnam Campaign Medal

Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross. The Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross was a military decoration of the Republic of Vietnam (RVN). Established during the First Indochina War, it was awarded throughout the Vietnam War to recognize deeds of valor and heroic conduct. The award was frequently conferred upon members of the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN), allied military forces, and occasionally civilians for actions against hostile forces.

History and establishment

The award was originally created in 1950 by Bảo Đại, the chief of state of the State of Vietnam. Its institution coincided with the formation of the Vietnamese National Army to fight the Việt Minh during the First Indochina War. Following the 1954 Geneva Accords and the establishment of the Republic of Vietnam, the decoration was reaffirmed by the government of Ngô Đình Diệm. The Gallantry Cross became a central award for gallantry during the escalating conflict with the Viet Cong and the People's Army of Vietnam.

Design and symbolism

The medal's design features a cross pattée enameled in red with a white border. Between the arms of the cross are pointed rays, forming a star-like shape. The central disc bears a map of Vietnam in red enamel, superimposed on a green laurel wreath, all on a white field. The reverse is plain, often for engraving. The ribbon is yellow with red stripes, colors representing the Flag of South Vietnam. The design symbolizes the defense of the nation and the honor bestowed upon those who fought for its sovereignty against communist forces.

Criteria and award process

The Gallantry Cross was awarded to individuals, both military and civilian, who performed acts of valor or displayed heroic conduct while engaged in armed conflict with an enemy force. It could also be awarded for meritorious service that significantly contributed to military operations. Recommendations were typically initiated by unit commanders within the ARVN or allied commands like the United States Army. Final approval authority rested with the President of South Vietnam, often acting on the advice of the Ministry of Defense.

Classes and precedence

The award was issued in four classes, denoting the level of achievement and the recipient's rank or role. The highest class was the Gallantry Cross with Palm, awarded at the corps or division level. This was followed by the Gallantry Cross with Gold Star (awarded at division or regiment level), the Gallantry Cross with Silver Star (awarded at regiment or battalion level), and the basic Gallantry Cross medal (awarded at battalion or lower level). In the order of precedence of South Vietnamese awards, it ranked below the National Order of Vietnam and above the Vietnam Military Merit Medal.

Recipients and notable awards

The award was widely bestowed, with millions of individual and unit awards presented during the war. Notable foreign recipients include U.S. generals William Westmoreland and Creighton Abrams, and entire units such as the U.S. 1st Cavalry Division and the 3rd Marine Division. Within the ARVN, it was awarded to officers like General Nguyễn Văn Thiệu and General Cao Văn Viên. Several Australian and New Zealand units also received the award, as did individuals from the Republic of Korea Army.

Post-war status and legacy

Following the Fall of Saigon in 1975 and the dissolution of the Republic of Vietnam, the award was discontinued. The Socialist Republic of Vietnam does not recognize it. However, the United States government, through Department of Defense directives, authorizes eligible U.S. military personnel to wear the Gallantry Cross on their uniforms if it was formally awarded. It remains a collectible item among phaleristic enthusiasts and serves as a historical artifact from the Army of the Republic of Vietnam and its allies, symbolizing their service in the conflict.

Category:Military awards and decorations of South Vietnam Category:Vietnam War awards and decorations