Unit Citations Awarded to New Zealand Military Units - The Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Presidential Unit Citation
About this award
This citation was awarded to 161 Battery, Royal New Zealand Artillery by the President of South Vietnam to recognise service in Vietnam from 17 July 1965 to 8 May 1971. The citation was presented by General Nguyen Van Minh, Commander of Military Region III, at a Battery Parade at Vung Tau, South Vietnam, on 8 May 1971. The citation was also awarded to 2 New Zealand Army Training Team Vietnam (2 NZATTV).
This unit citation is worn as a dress embellishment by members of 161 Battery. Personnel who were posted to 161 Battery during the period for which the citation was awarded (and up to the unit’s withdrawal from Vietnam in 1972) may wear the insignia of the award at all times. Personnel subsequently posted to the unit may wear the insignia only while they are serving with the unit.
This unit citation is sometimes referred to as the Republic of South Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Presidential Unit Citation, or the Republic of South Vietnam Presidential Unit Citation in the colour of The Cross of Gallantry with Palm Leaf.
About the ribbon
The ribbon is red, with a wide centre of yellow-gold which is divided by sixteen very thin stripes of red. Red and yellow are traditional auspicious colours of Vietnam and China, the same colours as the flag of the Republic of Vietnam. The design of the ribbon also resembles that of the French Croix de Guerre for overseas operations, on which the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry was modelled.
Order of Wear
The Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Presidential Unit Citation is not included in the Order of Wear. This is because the insignia is worn on the right breast rather than the left breast.
Unit Citation
The text of the Unit Citation.
Further Information
For further information, and high quality photos, of over 100 medals and awards issued by South Vietnam and her allies during the period 1950-1975, John Sylvester Jr. and Frank C. Foster Jr.’s book, Medals of America presents: The Decorations and Medals of the Republic of Vietnam and Her Allies, 1950-1975, (published by MOA Press in 1995), is recommended.