Physical Description

An oblong four-pointed star constructed of silver and bronze gilt, with outward facing planes between each of the points and blue enamel, the reverse is inscribed with KHONG LUC HUAN CHUONG VIET NAM, with a wing suspension, on a dark blue ribbon with red trim.

History

This Order was conferred upon Air Force Officers of South Vietnam in recognition of meritorious service and gallantry for any kind of service, combat or non-combat. It was also awarded for citations and wounds in combat. The decoration ranked immediately below the "National Order of Vietnam" and the "Vietnam Military Merit Medal".

The Vietnamese name of the Order is "Huân-Chương-Việt Nam".

The decoration was distinguished in two Classes: the I Class was given to officers and the II Class to enlisted personnel. It was also provided to foreign militaries. In the United States military the decoration was equal to the Legion of Merit.

The ribbon is blue with red vertical stripes on each edge. The I Class ribbon features a rosette.

In 1974, before the Fall of Saigon, the last Vietnam Distinguished Service Order was awarded.