Significance

The Vietnam Logistic and Support Medal recognises the service of Australian personnel in support roles during the Vietnam War.

History

The Vietnam Logistic and Support Medal was established by Letters Patent on 24 February 1993.

It was created to provide recognition to the men and women who played a vital support role during the Vietnam War but did not qualify for the Vietnam Medal.

Past recipients

At June 2004, 9716 awards of the Vietnam Logistics and Support Medal have been made.

How it is awarded

Personnel who qualify for the Vietnam Logistic and Support Medal can apply through the Directorate of Honours and Awards at the Department of Defence.

The qualifying criteria for the medal include:

• Service of one day or more as a member or crew of a ship or aircraft operating in the prescribed area of operations of Vietnam in support of Australian forces.
• Service of one day or more within the prescribed area of operations of Vietnam while attached to a unit or organisation in support of Australian forces.
• Service of one day or more while attached to, or serving with, a unit of the Australian armed forces or allied forces, as an observer.

Groups meeting the criteria for this award include certain defence personnel in support roles, entertainers, journalists, civilian surgical and medical teams, QANTAS aircrew and embassy couriers. Applications are processed by different agencies depending on the kind of service the applicant gave.

• Defence support personnel, entertainers and journalists
  - contact the Directorate of Honours and Awards, Department of Defence (Freecall 1800 111 321)
• Civilian surgical and medical teams
  - contact the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (phone 02 6271 5613)
• QANTAS aircrew
  - contact QANTAS
• Embassy couriers
  - contact Protocol Branch, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (phone 6261 1111)

There is no post-nominal entitlement for this medal.

Persons who hold the Vietnam Medal are ineligible to receive the Vietnam Logistic and Support Medal.