The Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation was awarded by the former Government of the Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam) to military units that distinguished themselves in battle. Initially, only a limited number of Australian units across the 3 services were approved to accept and wear the citation emblem.
All Australian military units under the operational control of the United States Military Assistance Command Vietnam are now eligible for the citation emblem.
Approval to wear the citation emblem does not give a person the authority to wear the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry (medal) which is an individual decoration awarded to a number of Australians by the Government of the Republic of Vietnam in recognition of individual acts of gallantry.
Eligibility
Eligible units/elements of the three Services, including qualifying dates, are published in the documents below:
Application
Eligible individuals can submit an application. Under application type select Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with PUC.
Applications will be assessed against veteran service records and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs Nominal Roll of Vietnam Veterans.
Personal records do not need to be supplied in order for Defence to assess an application for the citation emblem. The Directorate of Honours and Awards will make contact if further details are required.
Family members of deceased Vietnam veterans who may be eligible are asked to submit an application. See Granting of unissued service awards of deceased members for more information.
Defence Honours & Awards does not assess for this award and is not the awarding authority. Replacement medals are not issued by Defence. When a foreign award that has been approved for wearing by Defence is lost or stolen, members can obtain a replica from a medals dealer at their own expense.
Approval to wear
Individuals are not eligible to wear the citation emblem until they have been formally approved to do so through the application process. To apply for approval to accept and wear foreign awards, submit an application with a certified true copy of the award certificate.
The citation is a singular emblem, and once approved and received following assessment, should be worn in accordance with respective Service guidelines.
Exchange
The palm device on the citation emblem is bronze. Some citations were historically issued incorrectly with a gold palm device. Personnel in possession of an incorrectly issued citation emblem may return it for replacement.
Ensure full name, service number, address and contact details are included with the returned device to the address below:
Directorate of Honours and Awards
Exchange Citations
PO BOX 7952
Canberra BC ACT 2610.