Criteria The Overseas Service Ribbon is awarded to all active members of the Army, the Army National Guard, and to Army Reservists who are credited with a normal overseas tour completed since August 1, 1981 (p... The Overseas Service Ribbon is awarded to all active members of the Army, the Army National Guard, and to Army Reservists who are credited with a normal overseas tour completed since August 1, 1981 (provided they have an active Army status on or after August 1, 1981). This ribbon may not be awarded for overseas service recognized by another United States service medal. MoreHide
Description Awarded retroactively for service in Vietnam 1972-1973. (In the 11 December 2006 revision of AR 600-8-22 (Military Awards), the Army eliminated the policy which had restricted the awarding of the Over... Awarded retroactively for service in Vietnam 1972-1973. (In the 11 December 2006 revision of AR 600-8-22 (Military Awards), the Army eliminated the policy which had restricted the awarding of the Overseas Service Ribbon when another campaign or service medal is awarded.) MoreHide
Criteria The Meritorious Service Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces who distinguish themselves by outstanding noncombat achievement or by meritorious service to the United States, but not of a... The Meritorious Service Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces who distinguish themselves by outstanding noncombat achievement or by meritorious service to the United States, but not of a degree that would warrant the award of the Legion of Merit. MoreHide
Comments
For exceptionally meritorious service in various positions of responsibility and trust both overseas and in the US, from 7 Oct 1971 to 30 June 1996. (Covers Enlisted and Warrant service).
Criteria The Army Commendation Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving in any capacity with the Army, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement,... The Army Commendation Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving in any capacity with the Army, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or meritorious service. MoreHide
Comments
fifth award IAW DD -214 (probably awarded for Ft Campbell assignment).
Criteria Awarded to members of the Military Coalition who served in support of Operation Desert Shield or Desert Storm in one or more of the following areas between 2 August 1990 and 31 August 1993: Persian Gu... Awarded to members of the Military Coalition who served in support of Operation Desert Shield or Desert Storm in one or more of the following areas between 2 August 1990 and 31 August 1993: Persian Gulf, Red Sea, Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Aden, that portion of the Arabian Sea that lies north of 10 degrees north latitude and west of 68 degrees east longitude, as well as the total land areas of Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. MoreHide
Comments
Issued by the government of Kuwait for service during the Liberation of Kuwait campaign, between 2 August 1990 and 31 August 1993.
Best Friends
Ed Stevens, Billy Blackburn, Eva Rodriguez Koller, Jim Elliott, Wanda Miller, Alex Bann, Carl Eisemann, Gary Cheeks, John Fox, John Alspaugh, Joe Olsen, Scott Macey, Doug Mohr, Darren Clayton, R. Santiago, Keith Savage, Tony Nistico, Larry Curtis, Keith Genter, Mike Kennedy, Al Koch, Winston Lacroix, Pete Mercier and others.
Best Moment
A birthday "party" thrown for me by the pilots and crewchiefs in the unit, complete with "cake" and "presents". I had been in the unit less than 60 days and it was a big surprise and huge morale boost for me. It accelerated the bonding between us prior to the start of the ground war. Their thoughtfulness showed me I was surrounded by good people. I'm proud to have served with them!
Worst Moment
Being lost and nearly out of fuel in the Saudi desert with codes on board because LORAN failed.
Chain of Command
LTC Williamson CPT(P) Edward R Stevens A, 4/159 Cmdr (Desert Shield and Desert Storm) CPT Michael H Garriott B, 4/159 Cmdr (after Desert Storm) 1LT Rob Jorgensen, 1LT Gary Dean (Pltn Ldrs)
Other Memories
Billions of stars. Orange air. The Highway Of Death. Taking weekly showers (whether you needed one or not). Capturing(rescuing) 3 Iraqis. Flying NVG without radar altimeter and surviving it. Being lost and nearly out of fuel in the Saudi desert with codes on board because LORAN failed, and figuring it out. LORAN sucks/GPS is awesome! BBC news on my walkman at night. Contemplating retirement for the first time (on my 40th birthday). Dung Beetles. Near Beer. Being issued our desert cammies just in time for the flight back to Germany. Doing "laudry" in kiddy pools.
Criteria The Army Commendation Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving in any capacity with the Army, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement,... The Army Commendation Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving in any capacity with the Army, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or meritorious service. MoreHide
Comments
3rd OLC for support of VII Corps while assigned to A Co, 4/159th (Oct90-May92) in Saudi Arabia/Iraq and Stuttgart, Germany.
Criteria The Bronze Star Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces of the United States in a combat theater, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding ac... The Bronze Star Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces of the United States in a combat theater, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service not involving aerial flight. MoreHide
Comments
Exceptionally meritorious achievement in support of military operations against a hostile force (during the Gulf War - 3 Dec 90 to 29 Apr 91).
Criteria The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while partic... The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while participating in aerial flight, but not of a degree that would justify an award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. MoreHide
Comments
17 Jan 91 to 31 Mar 91 while deployed with A Co, 4/159th (VII Corps) for Desert Storm.
Criteria The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service... The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service during the current War on Terrorism. In addition, all members of the National Guard and Reserve who were part of the Selected Reserve in good standing between August 2, 1990, to November 30, 1995, are eligible for the National Defense Service Medal. In the case of Navy personnel, Midshipment attending the Naval Academy during the qualifying periods are eligible for this award, and Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) Midshipmen ae only eligible if they participated in a summer cruise that was in an area which qualified for a campaign medal. MoreHide
Criteria The Southwest Asia Service Medal is awarded for service in the Persian Gulf, Red Sea, Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Aden, that portion of the Arabian Sea that lies north of 10 degrees North latitude and west ... The Southwest Asia Service Medal is awarded for service in the Persian Gulf, Red Sea, Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Aden, that portion of the Arabian Sea that lies north of 10 degrees North latitude and west of 68 degrees East longitude, as well as the total land areas of Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. Individuals serving between January 17, 1991, and November 30, 1995, in Israel, Egypt, Turkey, Syria, and Jordan (including their air space and territorial waters) are also eligible; however, they must have directly supported combat operations (e.g., embassy guards are not eligible). MoreHide
Comments
'Defense of Saudi Arabia' campaign. 2 Aug 1990 to 16 Jan 1991.
Criteria The Southwest Asia Service Medal is awarded for service in the Persian Gulf, Red Sea, Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Aden, that portion of the Arabian Sea that lies north of 10 degrees North latitude and west ... The Southwest Asia Service Medal is awarded for service in the Persian Gulf, Red Sea, Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Aden, that portion of the Arabian Sea that lies north of 10 degrees North latitude and west of 68 degrees East longitude, as well as the total land areas of Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. Individuals serving between January 17, 1991, and November 30, 1995, in Israel, Egypt, Turkey, Syria, and Jordan (including their air space and territorial waters) are also eligible; however, they must have directly supported combat operations (e.g., embassy guards are not eligible). MoreHide
Comments
'Liberation and Defense of Kuwait' campaign. 17 Jan 91 - 11 Apr 91.
Criteria Service must have been performed in support of Operation Desert Storm and the liberation of Kuwait, between 17 January 1991 to 28 February 1991. Eligible areas include: The Persian Gulf, The Red Sea, ... Service must have been performed in support of Operation Desert Storm and the liberation of Kuwait, between 17 January 1991 to 28 February 1991. Eligible areas include: The Persian Gulf, The Red Sea, That portion of the Arabian Sea that lies north of 10 degrees north latitude and west of 68 degrees east longitude, The Gulf of Aden or The total areas of Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates In addition, those personnel must have: Been attached to or regularly serving for one or more days with an organization participating in ground and/or shore operations; Been attached to or regularly serving for one or more days aboard a naval vessel directly supporting military operations; Actually participated as a crew member in one or more aerial flights supporting military operations in the areas designated above; or, Served on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days during the qualifying period. Note: That time limitation may be waived for personnel who actually participated in combat operations. MoreHide
Comments
For participation in Operation Desert Storm and the liberation of Kuwait between the dates of January 17, 1991 and February 28, 1991 while assigned to 4/159 Avn Bn.
Description Just after midnight on January 17, 1991 in the U.S., Bush gave the order for U.S. troops to lead an international coalition in an attack on Saddam Hussein’s army. U.S. General Norman Schwarzkopf led “Just after midnight on January 17, 1991 in the U.S., Bush gave the order for U.S. troops to lead an international coalition in an attack on Saddam Hussein’s army. U.S. General Norman Schwarzkopf led “Operation Desert Storm,” which began with a massive bombing of Hussein’s armies in Iraq and Kuwait. The ensuing campaign, which is remembered in part for the United States’ use of superior military technology, introduced the term “smart bombs” to the global vernacular—precision-bombing devices aimed primarily at destroying infrastructure and minimizing civilian casualties. In response, Hussein launched SCUD missiles into Saudi Arabia and Israel. Iraq’s use of SCUDs, notoriously inaccurate weapons designed to terrorize civilian targets, nearly succeeded in inciting the Israelis to retaliate. Hussein hoped an Israeli military response would draw neighboring Arab nations into the fight on Iraq’s side, but he again committed a grave miscalculation. Bush reassured Israelis that the U.S. would protect them from Hussein’s terrifying SCUD attacks and Israel resisted the urge to retaliate. Soon after, U.S. –installed Patriot missiles destroyed SCUD missiles in flight and further foiled Hussein’s plan to goad Israel into a holy war.
Following an intense bombing of Baghdad, U.S.-led coalition ground forces marched into Kuwait and across the Iraq border. Regular Iraqi troops surrendered in droves, leaving only Hussein’s hard-line Republican Guard to defend the capital, which they were unsuccessful in doing. After pushing Hussein’s forces out of Kuwait, Schwarzkopf called a ceasefire on February 28; he accepted the surrender of Iraqi generals on March 3.... More
On this day August 3 1990, President George Herbert Walker Bush orders the organization of Operation Desert Shield in response to Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait on August 2. The order prepared American tro
On this day August 3 1990, President George Herbert Walker Bush orders the organization of Operation Desert Shield in response to Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait on August 2. The order prepared American troops to become part of an international coalition in the war against Iraq that would be launched as Operation Desert Storm in January 1991. To support Operation Desert Shield, Bush authorized a dramatic increase in U.S. troops and resources in the Persian Gulf.
Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein and hard-line Iraqi nationalists had always believed Kuwait should be part of Iraq, but nationalist propaganda aside, acquiring control of Kuwait’s oil fields was Hussein’s primary interest. In addition, control of Kuwait represented a strategic military objective should Iraq be forced into a war with its western-friendly Arab neighbors. Hussein calculated incorrectly that the United States and the United Nations, who were closely tracking Iraq’s military buildup along Kuwait’s borders, would not try to stop him. However, when Iraqi ground forces entered Kuwait on August 2, 1990, President Bush immediately proclaimed that the invasion “would not stand” and vowed to help Saudi Arabia and Kuwait in their efforts to force the Iraqis from Kuwaiti land.
On November 29, 1990, the United Nations Security Council authorized the use of “all means necessary” to remove Hussein’s forces from Kuwait, giving Iraq the deadline of midnight on January 16, 1991, to leave or risk forcible removal. After negotiations between U.S. Secretary of State James Baker and Iraq’s foreign minister, Tariq Aziz, failed, Congress authorized President Bush to use American troops in the coming conflict.
Worst Moment
Supporting Medical Personnel responding to the bus crash on I-71 which killed 27 and injured 34 kids returning from a trip to an amusement park.
Chain of Command
LTC Harold D Standiford MAJ John E Skinner
Other Memories
Instrument training flights to Owensboro, Ky. and the obligatory luncheon at the Moonlight BBQ restaurant there. Going to horse pulls on weekends, boxing matches in Louisville, and dinner theater on post.
Best Friends
Darrell Pope, Reid Feltmate, Jim Helton, Ken Gandy, Gary Braman, Eric Strom, Charlton, Bruce Daily, Joe Irwin, Pride, Schuel, Lawless, Gilmore, Adams, Terrill, Vince Carabba, Smith, Dederich, Josh Spencer, Manny Gomez, Linde, Jeff Mendenhall, Young, Hawkins, Worley, O'Brien, Heikes, Paul Bailey
Best Moment
I assumed Command of A Troop, 11th Regimental Combat Aviation Squadron, 11th ACR for the period 24-28 February 1986 and nothing bad happened.
Worst Moment
Unit name changed twice: started as Combat Aviation Troop (CAT), 11th ACR. Then it became A Troop, 11th Regimental Combat Aviation Squadron, 11th ACR, and finally S Troop, 4th Squadron, 11th ACR
Chain of Command
LTC Patrick J Bodelson (Budda) MAJ Billy W Stevens (CAT Cmdr) CPT Brian T Hurley (A/RCAS Cmdr) CPT Bruce J Reider (S Troop,4th/11ACR) 1LT Schleiden, 1LT Thome Plt Ldrs 1LT Andris, 1LT Cory
Other Memories
Officer exchange program with Greek Air Force was a low-level tour of that country and it's many oozories! Serving as West End Marshal during Fasching '85. Oh yeah...and getting married to Christa.
Criteria The Army Commendation Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving in any capacity with the Army, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement,... The Army Commendation Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving in any capacity with the Army, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or meritorious service. MoreHide
Comments
2nd OLC for Meritorious Achievement (23Sep86-26Sep86) while assigned to S Tpr, 4/11th ACR in Fulda, Germany and conducting the USAEUR Scout Stakes Competition.
Criteria The Overseas Service Ribbon is awarded to all active members of the Army, the Army National Guard, and to Army Reservists who are credited with a normal overseas tour completed since August 1, 1981 (p... The Overseas Service Ribbon is awarded to all active members of the Army, the Army National Guard, and to Army Reservists who are credited with a normal overseas tour completed since August 1, 1981 (provided they have an active Army status on or after August 1, 1981). This ribbon may not be awarded for overseas service recognized by another United States service medal. MoreHide
Criteria The Army Achievement Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces below the rank of colonel who, while serving in any capacity with the Army in a noncombat area, distinguish themselves by outst... The Army Achievement Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces below the rank of colonel who, while serving in any capacity with the Army in a noncombat area, distinguish themselves by outstanding achievement or meritorious service, but not of a nature that would warrant the award of an Army Commendation Medal. MoreHide
Comments
For representing the Fulda Military Community as "West-End Marshal" during the 1985 Fasching (Carnival) celebrations.
Criteria The Army Commendation Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving in any capacity with the Army, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement,... The Army Commendation Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving in any capacity with the Army, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or meritorious service. MoreHide
Comments
1st Oakleaf Cluster for service with Svc Co/7th SFG (1st SOCOM) 18 Apr80-3Jun83.
Best Friends
"Big Al" Porter, Fred Funk, Al Aber, Al Bazzarre, Vince Ouellette, Al Dillon,
Best Moment
Experiencing the only engine failure of my career while flying over the Gulf of Mexico, and making a safe landing on the beach.
Worst Moment
Having the T-tops stolen from my new Z-28 in the O-Club parking lot during a heavy thunderstorm.
Chain of Command
I worked for Fred Funk. (The RLOs were unimportant given that fact.) LTC Nelson J Cooper LTC Richard F Rockwell CPT Louw-Shiang Liu CPT Mark N Ochsenbein
Other Memories
Caused FAA to permanently restrict low-level flights along occupied beaches while conducting authorized helicast training in Destin. A friend named Martha and another named BJ. NOE/NVG mountain training in Utah...awesome!
Best Friends
Dave Sorensen, Stan Kennedy, Lee Anderson, John Converse, Jim Shepard, Denver Sheriff, Ron Stamschror, Larry Cunningham, Glen Baxter, Ron Trussel, Jay Dickerson,
Best Moment
Cpt James L Pittman, Flight Surgeon, saved my life several times during the medivac flight to 97th General Hospital in Frankfurt after my MVA in Göttingen.
Worst Moment
24-hour/day scalp itch as the severed trunk nerves in my forehead slowly healed. This literally took years and, 30 years later, it still occurs when I get fatigued.
Chain of Command
MAJ Buddy Arnold, ST (A), 11 ACR MAJ Paul K Tanguay, CST (P), C&C Sqdn, 11 ACR CPT Bud Howard, Lift Platoon Leader CPT Kenneth L Travis,
Other Memories
Assigned to Support Troop (Air) on Sickels Army Airfield. Facilities were primitive, sheds with pallet floors and buses used by maintenance shops. Sheep grazing on airfield. We called it the "hilltop swamp". Flew the border "trace" between East and West Germany a lot as a "Border IP" I was grounded for several months due to a POV accident. Partied way more than necessary!
Criteria The Overseas Service Ribbon is awarded to all active members of the Army, the Army National Guard, and to Army Reservists who are credited with a normal overseas tour completed since August 1, 1981 (p... The Overseas Service Ribbon is awarded to all active members of the Army, the Army National Guard, and to Army Reservists who are credited with a normal overseas tour completed since August 1, 1981 (provided they have an active Army status on or after August 1, 1981). This ribbon may not be awarded for overseas service recognized by another United States service medal. MoreHide
Criteria The Valorous Unit Award may be awarded to units of the Armed Forces of the United States for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy of the United States; while engaged in military oper... The Valorous Unit Award may be awarded to units of the Armed Forces of the United States for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy of the United States; while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or, while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party. MoreHide
Description
Awarded to H Trp/10th CAV for the period 10Sep72-28Jun73 (DA GO 09, 1979
Criteria The Army Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members of the Army who distinguish themselves by exemplary behavior, efficiency and fidelity during a specified period of conti... The Army Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members of the Army who distinguish themselves by exemplary behavior, efficiency and fidelity during a specified period of continuous enlisted active service (normally three years in peacetime). MoreHide
Comments
Awarded at end of enlisted service (May71-Feb77) prior to receiving my Warrant, while assigned to 61st Co, 6th Bn, USAAVNC Tng Bde at Ft. Rucker, Alabama (Flight School).
Best Moment
On Thanksgiving Day, 1972, I got the opportunity to ride in the front (gunner's) seat of an AH-1 Cobra and fire a bunch of 2.75" rockets into a free-fire zone. The scent of cordite was intoxicating! The experience added to my determination to attend flight school and become a pilot, which I did 4 years later.
Worst Moment
Watching an OH-6 loach get shot down with 4 souls on board. The crew chief was trapped in the wreckage and perished in the post-crash fire. He was the last American combat casualty of the Vietnam War and died only hours before the Cease Fire took effect.
Other Memories
After a short time working in the maintenance hangar, I was assigned to crew my own Huey (tail #71-20185). I flew almost daily until the cease-fire was signed and a big, beautiful charter jet whisked me away.
Criteria The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while partic... The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while participating in aerial flight, but not of a degree that would justify an award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. MoreHide
Criteria The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while partic... The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while participating in aerial flight, but not of a degree that would justify an award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. MoreHide
Comments
Mission to rescue and medivac a downed pilot and two passengers, and to recover the crewchief's body.
Criteria The Army Commendation Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving in any capacity with the Army, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement,... The Army Commendation Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving in any capacity with the Army, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or meritorious service. MoreHide
Comments
For service with H Trp/10th Air Cav (1st Avn Bde) in VietNam 1972-1973.
Criteria The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service... The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service during the current War on Terrorism. In addition, all members of the National Guard and Reserve who were part of the Selected Reserve in good standing between August 2, 1990, to November 30, 1995, are eligible for the National Defense Service Medal. In the case of Navy personnel, Midshipment attending the Naval Academy during the qualifying periods are eligible for this award, and Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) Midshipmen ae only eligible if they participated in a summer cruise that was in an area which qualified for a campaign medal. MoreHide
Criteria The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspa... The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspace; or, for any period of service during the same time period in Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia or the air spaces thereover and in direct support of operations in Vietnam. MoreHide
Criteria The Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross Colors) was authorized to be worn by units individually cited for service in military operations in support of the government of Sout... The Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross Colors) was authorized to be worn by units individually cited for service in military operations in support of the government of South Vietnam. The actions cited are for the same services that would have resulted in the award of a Valorous Unit Citation by the Army or a Navy Unit Citation. MoreHide
Description Awarded by the Vietnam Government to military personnel who have accomplished deeds of valor or displayed heroic conduct while fighting the enemy and have been cited individually at the regiment, brig... Awarded by the Vietnam Government to military personnel who have accomplished deeds of valor or displayed heroic conduct while fighting the enemy and have been cited individually at the regiment, brigade, division, corps, or armed forces level.
MoreHide
Criteria This medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who: 1. Served for 6 months in South Vietnam during the period 1 Mar 61 and 28 Mar 73; or 2. Served outside the geographical l... This medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who: 1. Served for 6 months in South Vietnam during the period 1 Mar 61 and 28 Mar 73; or 2. Served outside the geographical limits of South Vietnam and contributed direct combat support to the RVN Armed Forces for an aggregate of six months. Only members of the Armed Forces of the United States who meet the criteria established for the AFEM (Vietnam) or Vietnam Service Medal during the period of service required are considered to have contributed direct combat support to the RVN Armed Forces; or 3. Did not complete the length of service required in item (1) or (2) above, but who, during wartime, were: a. Wounded by the enemy (in a military action); b. Captured by the enemy during action or in the line of duty, but later rescued or released; or c. Killed in action or in the line of duty; or 4. Were assigned in Vietnam on 28 Jan 73, and who served a minimum of 60 calendar days in Vietnam during the period 29 Jan 73 to 28 Mar 73. MoreHide
Description This campaign was from 30 March 1972 to 28 January 1973. On 30 March 1972 the North Vietnamese Army launched its greatest offensive of the entire war. The enemy deployed the greatest array of troops This campaign was from 30 March 1972 to 28 January 1973. On 30 March 1972 the North Vietnamese Army launched its greatest offensive of the entire war. The enemy deployed the greatest array of troops and modern weapons to date in a major effort to end the war with conventional forces and seized considerable territory in an effort to exercise control of key provinces throughout Vietnam.
During this critical period the Vietnamization program continued in the face of the North Vietnamese invasion and the successful counterattack by the armed forces of the Republic of Vietnam. Army aviation units played an impressive role throughout the period, flying reconnaissance, close support missions, and transporting troops. As U.S. combat troops were withdrawn from Vietnam, the role of helicopter units increased in importance and they responded to the challenge of continuing to support while preparing the RVNAF to assume their function. Similarly, advisors of all services contributed immeasurably to the defeat of the enemy invasion and the continued Vietnamization process. Army and Marine advisors fought side-by-side with their RVNAF counterparts to stop and defeat the enemy invasion, as the Vietnamese counteroffensive gained momentum and the reduction of field advisers continued. The advisory effort shifted to emphasize training and to assure that the VNAF attained self-sufficiency prior to the complete withdrawal of the U.S forces.
Recapture of Quang Tri City on 16 September 1972 marked the complete failure of the enemy to hold any of the targeted provincial capitols. Massive aid replaced materiel lost during the spring counteroffensive. Retraining and reconstruction of selected RVNAF units increased their capabilities. The completion of the massive logistical buildup of RVNAF was accomplished, which enabled the RVNAF to become more self-sufficient as direct U.S. participation diminished. The US ground role in Vietnam was totally replaced by the RVNAF. During December 1972 and January 1973 the RVIVAF flew more than 45% of air sorties within Vietnam. In November 1972, the RVNAF began a C-130 training program and by January 1973 realized a significant increase in their capability. RVNAF forward air controllers began directing USAF and RVNAF strike aircraft in January 1973. The US policy of Vietnamization continued.
US combat and combat support operations were conducted in support of RVNAF ground operations during the North Vietnamese invasion and the counteroffensive including intensive interdiction of enemy supply routes into Vietnam. Since US ground forces had been reduced to seven battalions, the US ground combat role was limited to defense of key installations. Further reduction in troop ceilings led to the redeployment of all US ground combat battalions, leaving an Army contingent of combat support and service support units.... More
Criteria The Army Service Ribbon is awarded to members of the Regular Army, National Guard, or Army Reserve for successful completion of initial entry training. In the case of personnel who receive a Military ... The Army Service Ribbon is awarded to members of the Regular Army, National Guard, or Army Reserve for successful completion of initial entry training. In the case of personnel who receive a Military Occupational Specialty identifier based on civilian or other-service acquired skills, the ribbon is awarded upon honorable completion of four months active service. Only one award of this ribbon is authorized, even if an individual completes both officer and enlisted initial entry training. MoreHide
Description
For successful completion of initial-entry training.
Ed Munkres
Last military flight with Dave Neel in an MH-8.
Not being able to pass the PT test anymore.
Buying our first home, and paying cash for it.