"Know your Medals and Decorations, wear them properly, wear them proudly,
you earned them, you are a United States Marine!"


Vietnam War
July 1965 - October 1970
7th Marines Service Awards - Individuals


Combat Action Ribbon

[ribbon only - no medal awarded]

  • Criteria:
  • Active participation in ground or air combat during specifically listed military operations.
  • The principal requirement is that the individual was engaged in combat during which time he/she was under enemy fire and that his/her performance was satisfactory.

National Defense Service Medal

[medal and ribbon]

  • Criteria:
  • For active federal service in the Armed Forces during periods 1950-54, 1961-74 and 1990-95.

Vietnam Service Medal

[medal and ribbon]

  • Criteria:
  • For service in Southeast Asia and contiguous waters or airspace during the Vietnam War.

Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Medal

[medal and ribbon - Foreign Award]

  • Criteria:
  • Deeds of valor and acts of courage/herosim while fighting the enemy.
  • With Palm Device - at Army or higher level.
  • With Gold Star Device - For citation at Corps level.
  • With Silver Star Device - For citation at Division level.
  • With Bronze Star Device - For citation at Brigade or Regimental level.
  • Medals presented to Individuals with Award Certificates

Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Medal

[medal and ribbon - Foreign Award]

  • Criteria:
  • For outstanding achievements in the field of civic actions.
  • 1st Class Officers - Medal with two red stripes in the center.
  • 2nd Class Enlisted - Medal is without center stripes.
  • Medals presented to Individuals with Award Certificates

Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal

[medal and ribbon - Foreign Award]

  • Criteria:
  • Six [6] months service in the Repbublic of Vietnam between 1961 and 1973 or is wounded, captured, or killed in action during the same period.