Establishing Authority

Also known as the State of Vietnam Friendship Ribbon, the Republic of Vietnam Presidential Unit Citation was established by the Government of South Vietnam on August 15, 1950. It was awarded to United States Military Assistance Advisory Group (Indo-China) pursuant to a citation dated October 7, 1954, signed by the President of the Council of Ministers, State of Vietnam, Mr. Ngo Dinh Diem.

Acceptance by the United States

The Republic of Vietnam Presidential Unit Citation was approved for wear on February 28, 1955 by Department of the Army General Orders Number 16. However, this Order provided that, "It will be removed from the uniform by all personnel prior to departure from that area." This restriction was lifted by Department of the Army General Orders Number 5 dated February 11, 1958.

Effective Dates

The Republic of Vietnam Presidential Unit Citation was in effect from August 15, 1950 until the fall of South Vietnam in April of 1975.

Criteria

The Republic of Vietnam Presidential Unit Citation was awarded to United States Military Advisory Group ln Indo-China with the following citation: "During the months of August and September 1954, the members of the Military Assistance Advisory Group assisted to freedom from the terrors of Communist rule in their home territory of North and Centraal Viet-Nam, hundreds of thousands of men, women, and children. Thanks to the efficient and humanitarian assistance of the members of the Military Assistance Advisory Group these refugees have been given an opportunity to start their lives anew in the free terriotires of Viet-Nam. The free people of Viet-Nam express their heartfelt gratitude for this unselfish manifestation of friendshp and support."

Devices

No devices were authorized for this award.

Descripton

The Republic of Vietnam Presidential Unit Citation is a ribbon bar consisting of a field of yellow with three red stripes in the center, encased in a gilt frame decorated with palm leaves.