Skip to main content
The Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Presidential Unit Citation

The Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Presidential Unit Citation

Overview

The Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Presidential Unit 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 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.

Description

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.

Eligibility

Personnel who were posted to 161 Battery during the period for which the citation was awarded 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.

Queries & requests

  • Wearing this citation

    The Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Presidential Unit Citation is worn on the right breast. It is not included in the New Zealand Order of Wear. 

    For more information on how to wear and care for honours, medals, and awards:

  • Checking eligibility and applying for this citation

    This citation is issued at the unit level to current serving personnel for temporary wear.

    Veterans who were posted to 161 Battery or 2NZATTV in Vietnam can apply through our application page.

    Apply for unclaimed medals

  • Checking if this citation was issued

    Honours, medals, and awards bestowed on an individual for service in the New Zealand Armed Forces are recorded in their individual service record.  NZDF Personnel Archives and Medals holds a collection of about 1.5 million service records relating to 420,000 New Zealand service personnel who served in New Zealand’s Military Forces after the First World War.

    Service records are not currently digitised, but we can locate it and find the information you might be looking for or help you book a time for you to see the records in Trentham by filling out the form on the Service Record page. 

    Request a service record