Physical Description

A five-pointed star with green enamel and gold ornamentation between each point, the obverse center bears a circular medallion of red enamel inscribed in gilt letters with TO QUOC TRI AN (The Fatherland is Grateful), encompassed by a blue enamel ring with gilt meander, on a green and gilt dragon suspension, on a sash.

History

The National Order of Vietnam was established on August 15, 1950. It was a combined civilian and military decoration and considered the highest honour that could be bestowed upon an individual by the Republic of Vietnam government. It was awarded to those who performed remarkable deeds, bravery or those who have honoured and served the country. During the Vietnam War, the Order was awarded to several members of the United States military, a majority of which were senior political and military advisors to the South Vietnamese government. It could also be awarded posthumously. When worn on a uniform it was displayed above all other awards because it was both a civil and military decoration. The military equivalent to the National Order of Vietnam is the Vietnam Military Merit Medal that was awarded only to members of the military.

It was issued in five classes:

Grand Cross
Grand Officer
Commander
Officer
Knight

The Grand Cross recipient wore the badge of the Order on a sash from the right shoulder and the star of the Order on the left side of the chest.

The Grand Officer recipient wore the badge on a ribbon with a rosette on the left side of the chest with the star of the Order on the right side of the chest.

The Commander recipient wore the badge on a neck ribbon.

The Officer recipient wore the badge on a ribbon with a rosette on the left side of the chest.

The Knight recipient wore the badge on a ribbon on the left side of the chest.