State
of Vietnam
National
Order (1950-1975)
Emperor
Bao Dai established this Order during the summer of 1950 when the State
of Vietnam (1949 to 1955) joined the French Union. The Order also continued
in use through the Republic period. It was awarded in five classes (Grand
Cross, Grand Officer, Commander, Officer and Knight) to reward persons
living or dead, who have distinguished themselves by grandiose works,
remarkable deeds, bravery, or lofty virtues and outstanding knowledge.
It has five patterned rays in gold with a central red disk, engraved TO-QUOC
TRI-AN (Gratitude of the Fatherland). There is a Greek key design on a
blue background surrounding the central disk. Below the disk is a coiled
dragon's tail. The star is suspended from a dragon's head. The reverse
is plain. It is pictured here with the rare original ribbon patterned
after the country's flag. In actuality, it was awarded with a red ribbon
edged in yellow. The slightly convex star has a blank reverse. There are
also French made and U.S. made versions of this medal. Many of the earlier
U.S. versions are generally flat in comparison to the non-U.S. pieces.
Other
Medals of the State of Vietnam
- Armed
Forces Honor Medal Officer Class
- Armed
Forces Honor Medal Enlisted Class
- Campaign
Medal 1949-1954*
- Chuong
My First Class
- Chuong
My Second Class
- Cross
of Gallantry (individual award)
- Cross
of Gallantry (unit award)
- Military
Merit Medal (Bao Dai version)
- Wound
Medal
The Campaign
Medal was actually established in 1964 during the Republican period, but
backdated to the 1949-1954 French War against the Viet Minh Communists.
Military Merit Medal (Bao Dai version) and Vietnam Wound
Medal
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