INDIVIDUAL BADGES
COMBAT INFANTRYMAN BADGE (CIB)
The CIB is awarded to only those who have an infantry MOS - Military Occupation Specialty. The
requirement - during the Vietnam era - was to have served 60 days in a hostile fire area and/or
to have been engaged in an exchange of hostile fire. Award of the badge was determined by the
commanding officer.
COMBAT MEDICAL BADGE (CMB)
The requirements for the CMB is the same as those of the CIB except it is awarded only to those who
have a medical MOS.
U.S. INDIVIDUAL AWARDS - IN ORDER OF RANK
MEDAL OF HONOR (CMH)
The Nation's highest award for heroism, awarded to those who distinguish themselves
through "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her life above
and beyond the call of duty while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States
SP4 Donald Ward Evans, Jr. -- 27 January 1967 -- HHC Medic (Co. A assigned)
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS (DSC)
Second highest award for extreme gallantry and risk of life in actual combat with an armed enemy
force. Actions that merit the Distinguished Service Cross must be of such a high degree to be above
those required for all other U.S. combat decorations but not meeting the criteria for the Medal of
Honor.
[Special thanks to http://militarytimes.com/citations-medals-awards/]
SILVER STAR (SS)
PURPLE HEART (PH)
The award is given to only those who sustained wounds received as a direct
result of hostile action. Approximately 65 -70% of combat troops received this
medal. Too many to list, you know who you are.
It seemed, at least while I served in Vietnam that some units were more gracious than others in recognizing valor or heroism
and therefore issued more medals than other companies or units. If the truth be known, many soldiers were not recognized
at all for the many times they put their lives on the line. As it was, in their minds, they were simply doing their duty to their
buddy, squad, platoon or company and were not seeking out the glory that many others went to great lengths to receive, to
get recognition that was not justly deserved.
In talking about this subject with some of the officers I have come to know, many indicated there wasn't enough time to to
appropriately address the issue of awards and some believed we were simply doing our jobs. I guess it all comes down to
whether the officer's felt it important enough to take the time, regardless of any outlining obstacles.........
In my humble opinion,
Sarge Arnold Krause
P.S. After updating this list of medals, I stand my my previous statement even more, especially after reading most of the
Tropic Lightning Newsletters which described the numerous conflicts and battles we were in. Some engagements simple
seem to be ignored when it comes to recognition of honor.......-Sarge 1/11/2023
Advisory 15 March 1962 - 7 March 1965
Defense 8 March 1965 - 24 December 1965
Counteroffensive 25 December 1965 - 30 June 1966
Counteroffensive, Phase II 1 July 1966 - 31 May 1967
Counteroffensive, Phase III 1 June 1967 - 29 January 1968
Tet Counteroffensive 30 January 1968- 1 April 1968
Counteroffensive, Phase IV 2 April 1968 - 30 June 1968
Counteroffensive, Phase V 1 July 1968- 1 November 1968
Counteroffensive, Phase VI 2 November 1968 - 22 February 1969
Tet 69-Counteroffensive 23 February 1969 - 8 June 1969
Summer-Fall 1969 9 June 1969 - 31 October 1969
Winter-Spring 1970 1 November 1969 - 30 April 1970
Sanctuary Counteroffensive 1 May 1970 - 30 June 1970
Counteroffensive, Phase VII 1 July 1970 - 30 June 1971
Consolidation I 1 July 1971 - 30 November 1971
Consolidation II 1 December 1971 - 29 March 1972
Cease-Fire 30 March 1972 - 28 January 1973
PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION
(Army), Streamer embroideed SOUI TRE, VIETNAM
(2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry cited; Department of the Army General Order 59, 1968)*
Equilivent to the Sivler Star award
* The 'solid-royal-blue' ribbon framed in gold metal Presidential Unit Citation may only be worn by
2/12th Inf participants of the battle. It is worn over the right pocket - as opposed to all other
medals and decorations which are worn over the left pocket of the uniform.
REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM CROSS OF GALANTRY W/ PALM
UNIT CITATION
*Bronze Battle Star authorized to be worn on Vietnam Service Medal for each period served; Fifth (5)
campaign upgrades to Silver Battle Star. Bold indicates 2/12th participation. if you were in country for one
day, during any of these campaign dates, it entitles you to wear a star for that campaign.
DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS (DFC)
Awarded to those who distinguishes himself or herself in support of operations by heroism or
extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight.
SOLDIERS MEDAL
Awarded while serving in any capacity with the Army of the United States, to a soldier who
distinguished himself or herself by heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy.
BRONZE STAR (Valor) (BS/V)
Fourth highest award given for bravery, acts of merit, or meritorious service.
2/12TH INFANTRY UNIT CITATIONS - BADGES - INDIVIDUAL AWARDS, U.S. & RVN
UNIT DECORATIONS AND BATTALION CAMPAIGN STREAMERS
UNIT DECORATIONS AND BATTALION CAMPAIGN STREAMERS
SUOI TRE - VIETNAM
BRONZE STAR (MERIT) (BS/M)
Fourth highest award given for bravery, acts of merit, or meritorious service.
Fourth highest award given for bravery, acts of merit, or meritorious service.
ARMY COMMENDATION MEDAL (VALOR) [ARCOM/V)]
For sustained acts of heroism or meritorious service. For valorous actions in direct contact with an enemy force, but of a lesser degree than required for the award of the Bronze Star.
For sustained acts of heroism or meritorious service. For valorous actions in direct contact with an enemy force, but of a lesser degree than required for the award of the Bronze Star.
VIETNAM CROSS OF GALLANTRY w/GOLD STAR
Individual Assigned to a Corp level unit
Vietnam 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 enemy force.
SFC Tsuzuki Kimura -- Co. A
Individual Assigned to a Corp level unit
Vietnam 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 enemy force.
SFC Tsuzuki Kimura -- Co. A
ARMY COMMENDATION MEDAL (MERIT) [ARCOM/M)]
For sustained acts of heroism or meritorious service. For valorous actions in direct contact with an enemy force, but of a lesser degree than required for the award of the Bronze Star.
For sustained acts of heroism or meritorious service. For valorous actions in direct contact with an enemy force, but of a lesser degree than required for the award of the Bronze Star.
NOTE: The medals listed on this page came from two sources: The TROPIC LIGHTNING NEWS, and from men who indicated they had received the award. The TLN is not 100% accurate in that some men were listed multiple times, so I did not know if they were getting a second award or not, and some medals that were listed did not distinguish whether they were for valor or merit. I leave it to the individual to help me correct any errors they may see on these lists. Lastly, any medals that may have been earned from Oct '66 to Mar '67 do not show up in the TLN newletters. I do not know if the 4th Div newsletter ( Ivy Leaf) covered the 2/12th during this period. - Sarge (updated 7/4/2024)
Definitions:
PUC or Presidental Unit Citation is equal to the DSC, Distinguished Service Cross, the Nation's 2nd highest award for Valor
VUC or Valorous Unit Citation is equal to the SS, Silver Star
MUC or Meritorious Unit Citation is equal to the LM, Legion of Merit
PUC or Presidental Unit Citation is equal to the DSC, Distinguished Service Cross, the Nation's 2nd highest award for Valor
VUC or Valorous Unit Citation is equal to the SS, Silver Star
MUC or Meritorious Unit Citation is equal to the LM, Legion of Merit
Streamer embroidered VIETNAM 1966-1967, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry, 4th Division cited in GA DO 21, 1969, then amended by DA GO 48, 1971)** changing the period October 1965 to August 1966 to August 1966 to 1967. Further added second award for period August 1967 to 1968 and revoked GA DO 21, 1969. Third award of the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Streamer embroidered VIETNAM 1968-1970, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry, 25th Division cited; DA GO 5, 1973)** .
VIETNAMESE CIVIL ACTIONS UNIT CITATION W/OLC
The Vietnam Civil Actions Unit Citation also called the Civil Actions Honor Medal First Class was a decoration of South Vietnam which was first established in 1964. The decoration is a mid-level service award which was awarded to units of the Vietnamese or its allies who performed outstanding civic service to the state or who participated in civil service actions of significant benefit. The Vietnam Civil Actions Medal was awarded in two classes, with the first class intended for commissioned officers and the second for enlisted personnel. DAGO GO 53 1970 awards the 4th ID the Civil Action Honor Medal First Class for the 1st and 2nd Bde, 1 October 1966 to 31 October 1969, but excludes the 3rd Bde, similar to what the 25th ID did for the individual medal. See Civil Actions Medal below.
The Vietnam Civil Actions Unit Citation also called the Civil Actions Honor Medal First Class was a decoration of South Vietnam which was first established in 1964. The decoration is a mid-level service award which was awarded to units of the Vietnamese or its allies who performed outstanding civic service to the state or who participated in civil service actions of significant benefit. The Vietnam Civil Actions Medal was awarded in two classes, with the first class intended for commissioned officers and the second for enlisted personnel. DAGO GO 53 1970 awards the 4th ID the Civil Action Honor Medal First Class for the 1st and 2nd Bde, 1 October 1966 to 31 October 1969, but excludes the 3rd Bde, similar to what the 25th ID did for the individual medal. See Civil Actions Medal below.
**UNIT Citations of the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry are worn over the right pocket. Every soldier who served in Vietnam with the 2/12th Infantry during these periods is authorized to wear this unit ribbon on the right breast of the uniform. Although we recevied three citations only one can be worn. INDIVIDUAL awards of the Cross of Gallantry are worn with other badges and ribbons on the left breast.
VIETNAM SERVICE MEDAL (VSM)
Issued to any service member who served for a period of 30 days or more attached to 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 between 1965 and 1975. The Department of Defense established thirty military campaigns during the Vietnam War. For those service members participating in one or more campaigns, a service star is authorized on the Vietnam Service Medal. Silver service stars are issued in lieu of five bronze. - See 2/12th Vietnam Campaign Participation under banners above for dates.
Issued to any service member who served for a period of 30 days or more attached to 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 between 1965 and 1975. The Department of Defense established thirty military campaigns during the Vietnam War. For those service members participating in one or more campaigns, a service star is authorized on the Vietnam Service Medal. Silver service stars are issued in lieu of five bronze. - See 2/12th Vietnam Campaign Participation under banners above for dates.
REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM CAMPAIGN MEDAL
Issued to all who served in the RVN defense from 1960 to 1972.The Vietnam Campaign Medal is a military recognition awarded by the Republic of Vietnam, (also known as South 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.
Issued to all who served in the RVN defense from 1960 to 1972.The Vietnam Campaign Medal is a military recognition awarded by the Republic of Vietnam, (also known as South 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.
Third-highest combat military decoration that can be awarded to a member of any branch of the United States armed forces for gallantry in action or valor in the face of the enemy.
AIR MEDAL (VALOR)
Awards may be made to recognize single acts of merit or heroism, or for meritorious service for those personnel who are on current crew member or non-crew member flying status which requires them to participate in aerial flight on a regular and frequent basis in the performance of their primary duties.
Awards may be made to recognize single acts of merit or heroism, or for meritorious service for those personnel who are on current crew member or non-crew member flying status which requires them to participate in aerial flight on a regular and frequent basis in the performance of their primary duties.
VIETNAM MILITARY MERIT MEDAL
The Vietnam Military Merit Medal (VMM), the highest military decoration of South Vietnam during the years of the Vietnam War. The VMM medal was the Vietnamese equivalent to the United States Medal of Honor and was authorized to those enlisted soldiers who had performed extreme acts of bravery or had given their lives in armed combat with enemy forces of Vietnam.
PFC David J Schultz - Co C KIA'd 4/4/1968
PFC Gerald Thomas Le Blanc - Co C. KIA'd 5/17/1968
The Vietnam Military Merit Medal (VMM), the highest military decoration of South Vietnam during the years of the Vietnam War. The VMM medal was the Vietnamese equivalent to the United States Medal of Honor and was authorized to those enlisted soldiers who had performed extreme acts of bravery or had given their lives in armed combat with enemy forces of Vietnam.
PFC David J Schultz - Co C KIA'd 4/4/1968
PFC Gerald Thomas Le Blanc - Co C. KIA'd 5/17/1968
VIETNAM NATIONAL ORDER OF VIETNAM - 4TH CLASS (OFFICER)
The Vietnam National Order of Vietnam (VNOV, Grand Cross, Grand Officer, Commander, Officer dn Knight), was the highest civilian/military decoration of South Vietnam during the years of the Vietnam War. The VNOV medal was awarded to any person who performed “grandiose works, remarkable deeds, exhibited bravery, or for those who have honored and served the country by lofty virtues and outstanding knowledge.” During the Vietnam War, the National Order of Vietnam was bestowed on several members of the United States military, most of whom were senior military and political advisors to the South Vietnamese government. The decoration could also be awarded posthumously.
1LT Jerry A. Asburn- Co D KIA'd 6/17/1969
The Vietnam National Order of Vietnam (VNOV, Grand Cross, Grand Officer, Commander, Officer dn Knight), was the highest civilian/military decoration of South Vietnam during the years of the Vietnam War. The VNOV medal was awarded to any person who performed “grandiose works, remarkable deeds, exhibited bravery, or for those who have honored and served the country by lofty virtues and outstanding knowledge.” During the Vietnam War, the National Order of Vietnam was bestowed on several members of the United States military, most of whom were senior military and political advisors to the South Vietnamese government. The decoration could also be awarded posthumously.
1LT Jerry A. Asburn- Co D KIA'd 6/17/1969
VIETNAM CROSS OF GALLANTRY MEDAL W/PALM
Vietnam Cross of Gallantry was awarded to any military personnel who have accomplished deeds of valor or displayed heroic conduct while fighting an enemy force. In other words, the Republic of Vietnam authorized this award for all foreign military personnel and units for valorous achievement and participation during the Vietnam War. Equivalent to the French Croix de Guerre, the medal demonstrates South Vietnam’s gratitude to the American and Allied soldiers who worked, fought, and sacrificed themselves for the freedom of the Republic of Vietnam.
Under the Department of the Army General Order (DAGO) 8, 1974, all military personnel of all branches were awarded the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry if they had served in Vietnam between March 1, 1961 and March 28, 1973.
Awarded to ALL military personnel, all branches
Vietnam Cross of Gallantry was awarded to any military personnel who have accomplished deeds of valor or displayed heroic conduct while fighting an enemy force. In other words, the Republic of Vietnam authorized this award for all foreign military personnel and units for valorous achievement and participation during the Vietnam War. Equivalent to the French Croix de Guerre, the medal demonstrates South Vietnam’s gratitude to the American and Allied soldiers who worked, fought, and sacrificed themselves for the freedom of the Republic of Vietnam.
Under the Department of the Army General Order (DAGO) 8, 1974, all military personnel of all branches were awarded the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry if they had served in Vietnam between March 1, 1961 and March 28, 1973.
Awarded to ALL military personnel, all branches
2nd/12th VIETNAM CAMPAIGN PARTICIPATION*
Vietnam Individual Medals issued by RVN
REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM CIVIL ACTIONS MEDAL 1ST CLASS
The Vietnam Civil Actions Medal and Unit Citation was a decoration of South Vietnam which was first established in 1964. The decoration is a mid-level service award which was awarded to any member of the Vietnamese military and allies who performed outstanding civic service to the state or who participated in civil service actions of significant benefit. The Vietnam Civil Actions Medal was awarded in two classes, with the first class intended for commissioned officers and the second for enlisted personnel. This medal was awarded to many units within the 25th Div., including the 2/12th Inf. Regt. The medal is for individuals who served between 1 August 1967and 21 January 1970 and was issued as a 1st class medal, not a unit citation according to DAGO GO (GENERAL ORDER) 51 1971 , pages 11-14.
Note; The exclusion of the 4th ID from October-1966 to August 1967 was due to the way the GO was issued to the 25th ID. Somewhere there must be an amendment to include the 2/12th under the 4th ID when they first arrived in-country. - Sarge
The Vietnam Civil Actions Medal and Unit Citation was a decoration of South Vietnam which was first established in 1964. The decoration is a mid-level service award which was awarded to any member of the Vietnamese military and allies who performed outstanding civic service to the state or who participated in civil service actions of significant benefit. The Vietnam Civil Actions Medal was awarded in two classes, with the first class intended for commissioned officers and the second for enlisted personnel. This medal was awarded to many units within the 25th Div., including the 2/12th Inf. Regt. The medal is for individuals who served between 1 August 1967and 21 January 1970 and was issued as a 1st class medal, not a unit citation according to DAGO GO (GENERAL ORDER) 51 1971 , pages 11-14.
Note; The exclusion of the 4th ID from October-1966 to August 1967 was due to the way the GO was issued to the 25th ID. Somewhere there must be an amendment to include the 2/12th under the 4th ID when they first arrived in-country. - Sarge
