Couldn't find any information on this particular device on the forum yet. It may be on here and my searching skills are lacking, but haven't seen it yet.

Anyhow, found this set of ribbon bars this morning, made in Vietnam, I think, with the unique addition of "real" service dates on the VN Campaign ribbon bar. Most have "60 - " and is left blank. Why is that? Why were the dates never 'closed' so to speak? Is this particular ribbon bar an oddity, or rarity, or was this a more common practice?

 

 

Borrowed this from the Google for reference.

Is this particular ribbon bar an oddity, or rarity, or was this a more common practice?

 

Dan, these in-country Vietnamese made ribbon bars are not particularly odd or rare and it was a somewhat common practice. Rare, not by any means, uncommon, yes. The US made medal and ribbon has the standard "open 60' device" on it, but these ribbons like the one you just found indicate an individuals particular tour date. I have had many of these pass through my hands over the years, and while technically "unauthorized" you can find these if you look for them. IIRC, these were technically made to be issued only the the South-Viet's, but as is always the case, US personal "adopted" these for themselves as well. I can't remember how far back the two tour dates stretch back, but I think the earliest that I have had was "65-66", and just about every combination there after up until either "71-71" or "72-73". I have seen some that stretch back to either the early or mid 50's, but I believe those would only apply to the South-Viet's. That's a nice bar you found there, and my Dad has one exactly like it on his uniform with the "67-68", as that was his tour date as well.

 

I hope this helps.

Wolfhounds,

Thank you for that bit of information....I like it. To bad it's not "official", the guys deserve it if they want it!

Funny you should post this. I just saw one yesterday that was "'64-65." i passed on it, so I can't show any pics. They are neat, and seem much more appropriate than the open ended date.

G

...Why were the dates never 'closed' so to speak?

Here is TIOH's answer to your question:

 

The Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces Memorandum 2655 prescribed there were two devices to be worn on the [Vietnam Campaign Medal] ribbon. The first device was for the period 8 March 1949 - 20 July 1954 and is not authorized for wear by American Military Personnel. The second period was from 1 January 1960 with the last period to be decided after the war was over. The ending period remains blank, since the Republic of Vietnam Government ceased to exist before the ending period was established.

 

Link here for the full citation.