History
The Vietnam Logistic and Support Medal was established in 1993 to recognise those who served in Vietnam during the Vietnam War, often for relatively short periods, in support of Australian operations, and who had not received any recognition for that service.
In December 2012, approval was given for Royal Australian Air Force members who served at the Royal Thai Air Force Base at Ubon in Thailand, between 25 June 1965 and 31 August 1968, to be awarded the medal.
Design & ribbon
The medal
The medal is cupro-nickel, with the effigy of the Queen on the obverse and a plain suspender. The reverse bears the word VIETNAM above the same symbolic figure of a man between spherical shapes used on the Vietnam Medal.
The ribbon
The Republic of Vietnam flag colours at the centre, flanked by red, dark blue, light blue and brown for the Army, Navy, Air Force and Vietnam's waterways.
The ribbon has three central red pin-stripes on a yellow background, representing the flag of the Republic of Vietnam. This is flanked by narrow stripes of red for the Army, dark blue for the Navy and light blue for the Air Force, with a brown stripe representing the coastal and inland waterways of Vietnam.
Eligibility
The medal was awarded to members of the Australian armed forces, and certain others, who rendered service in support of Australian operations in Vietnam.
- Qualifying service can be as little as one day as a member or crew of a ship or aircraft operating in the prescribed area in support of Australian forces, or one day attached to a supporting unit or organisation;
- In 2012 eligibility was extended to RAAF service at Ubon, Thailand, between 1965 and 1968;
- Personnel who are eligible for the Vietnam Medal are not entitled to this medal.
Order of wear
The precise neighbours in the order of wear should be confirmed against the current Australian Order of Wear.
Frequently asked questions
Who was the Vietnam Logistic and Support Medal created for?
Australians who served in support of operations in Vietnam, often for short periods, and who had not received recognition for that service.
When was it established?
In 1993. In December 2012 eligibility was extended to RAAF members who served at Ubon in Thailand between 1965 and 1968.
How much service is required?
As little as one day in the prescribed area as crew of a ship or aircraft, or attached to a supporting unit or organisation.
Can it be held with the Vietnam Medal?
No. The two awards are mutually exclusive.
What does the ribbon represent?
The Republic of Vietnam flag at the centre, with stripes for the Army, Navy and Air Force, and brown for the waterways of Vietnam.
Does it have clasps?
No.