Medaglia Vietnam Croce - Gallantry Cross Service

Bronze cross pattée, a dragon to either side between the arms, on crossed curved swords, with elaborate plaque suspension; the face with a central circular medallion bearing a map of Vietnam within a palm wreath, a ribbon inscribed ‘QUOC-GIA LAO-TUONG’ (In remembrance of a brave deed) superimposed; the reverse plain; on original somewhat faded ribbon with bronze palm indicating a citation at Army level. The medal was instituted on 15 August 1950 as the Vietnamese equivalent of the French Croix de Guerre for bravery in the face of the enemy. It was awarded to French military between 1950 and 1954 and this example came from France. The Cross was later awarded in much larger numbers to American servicemen during the period 1961 to 1973. An excellent early example.