Legion of Merit Question

[NorwichCadet]

Fathers records indicate:

WWII- Legion of Merit 1944

Korea- "awarded a bronze oak leaf cluster in lieu of a 2nd award of the Legion of Merit" 1951-1952

Vietnam-"awarded a 2nd bronze oak leaf cluster in lieu of a 3rd award of the Legion of Merit" 1963-1967.

1. Does this mean he was awarded 3 Legion of Merit medals?

2. Since he was awarded the LOM for Vietnam, does that mean he would be eligible for the Vietnam Service Ribbon? He was never permanently assigned/service in Vietnam, but he may have been there on TDY for few days?

[Dave]

Is there any chance to post up a photo of what the document actually says? I've not seen an official document in a record that reads like this...and I think the wording is key to understanding what he did and did not earn. If his record doesn't reflect earning a Vietnam Service Medal, then he probably didn't earn one, even though he earned a Legion of Merit during the time of the Vietnam War.

 

As far as the number of awards, yes, he earned three Legion of Merit medals...or, as would be officially notated as the Legion of Merit with two oak leaf clusters.

 

Hope that helps!

Dave

[JBFloyd]

Regulations say that only one medal will be awarded and additional awards would get an oak leaf cluster. Reality indicates that he received three medals.

 

Qualification for the Vietnam Service medal usually required 30 days continuous TDY or 60 days non-continuous TDY.

[NorwichCadet]

Thanks. I figured that was case. Another question-In "Official Qualification Record" Under "Awards & Decorations" it lists:

Type "GS Identification" , Authority "DA GS Cert 25jun60". What is this? What do "DA" (Dept of Army??) and GS stand for? THANKS

[Dave]

"General Staff Identification" badge. It was issued under the authority of the Department of the Army dated 25 June 1960.

 

Here's a link with general info on it: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Army_Staff_Identification_Badge

[NorwichCadet]

THANKS