Armed Forces Honor Medal


The Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces Honor Medal was a military decoration of South Vietnam that was first created on January 7, 1953. The medal was awarded in 1st and 2nd classes and reached its height of bestowals during the Vietnam War years. The medal was also one of the more commonly awarded medals to members of foreign militaries and was frequently bestowed to military advisors of the United States Armed Forces.
The Armed Forces Honor Medal was awarded to any member of the military who actively contributed to the formation and organization of the Vietnamese military in South Vietnam and who actively participating in cadre training of Vietnamese units. The medal was intended for non-combat achievements.
The first-class medal was awarded to commissioned officers and the second class medals were awarded to warrant officers and enlisted personnel. The two grades of the Armed Forces Honor Medal were distinguished by the medallion, gold for 1st class and silver for 2nd class. The medal's suspension and service ribbons for the 2 grades were distinguished by a golden yellow and red pattern for the 1st class and two red patterns until the end of each side of the ribbon for the 2nd class. Each ribbon class also had three light blue vertical ribbon stripes in the center of the ribbon.
The Armed Forces Honor Medal is considered obsolete.
Today, the medal is only available through private dealers in military insignia.

Notable recipients