Australian Unit Citations

• Unit Citation for Gallantry - for extraordinary gallantry in action.
• Meritorious Unit Citation - for sustained outstanding service in warlike operations.

Australian Unit Citations; those with a star are worn by the members of the unit at the time the award was earned. Those without a star are worn by members of the unit that come into the unit at a later time.

(US) Unit Citations & Meritorious Unit Commendations

• Shown is a US Presidential Unit Citation emblem with 2 Oak-leaf clusters indicating that the Unit has won the award 3 times.

• No Australian Unit has ever been awarded more than 1 Presidential Unit Citation.

All these emblems are worn on the right hand side above the chest pocket. As well there is a streamer awarded that is hung on the Regimental Colour. Example.

US Meritorious Unit Citation

(US) Unit Citations & Meritorious Unit Commendations (Navy)

Navy Unit Commendation. Established by order of the Secretary of the Navy, 18 December 1944, it is awarded by the Secretary to any ship, aircraft, detachment, or other unit of the naval service of the United States Navy which has, subsequent to 6 December 1941, distinguished itself by outstanding heroism in action against the enemy, but not sufficient to justify award of the Presidential Unit Citation.

(Navy) Meritorious  Unit Commendation
Established by order of the Secretary of the Navy, 17 July 1967, it is awarded by the Secretary to any unit of the Navy or Marine Corps which has distinguished itself under combat or non-combat conditions, by either valorous or meritorious achievement compared to other units performing similar service, but not sufficient to justify the award of the Navy Unit Commendation.

 Awards to Australian Units

• No. 2 Sqn RAAF was awarded the Distinguished Unit Citation (later re-designated the Presidential Unit Citation) in 1942. (See  citation below).

• No. 13 (City of Darwin) Sqn RAAF was awarded the Distinguished Unit Citation (later re-designated the Presidential Unit Citation) in 1942. (Citation identical to that of 2 Sqn below except for dates). This award was presented on 31 May 1990 – 38 years after being approved.

• Third Battalion Royal Australian Regiment (3 RAR) was awarded the Distinguished Unit Citation (later re-designated Presidential Unit Citation) for it's actions at Kapyong.

• In addition to the United States Presidential Unit Citation awarded to 
  • D Company of the 6th Battalion (6 RAR) for the battle of Long Tan in 1966, a number of unit awards were made to Australian units by both the American and South Vietnamese Governments.

• A United States' Navy Unit Commendation was awarded to 
  • HMAS Hobart for her service in Vietnam between March and September 1967 and to
  • HMAS Perth for her service from September 1967 to April 1968. 

• Later, a United States' Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation was awarded to 
  • HMAS Perth for service from September 1968 to March 1969.

• United States' Meritorious Unit Commendations were also awarded to the 
  • Australian Army Training Team Vietnam ( AATTV ), which served there from 1962 and to an
  • Australian Navy Clearance Diving Team for it's service in Vietnam from February to July 1967 and to the 
  • 1 RAR Group  for it's service with 173rd Airborne in Viet Nam in 1965.
    • 1RAR
    • 161 Battery Royal NZ Artillery
    • 4/19th Prince of Wales Light Horse

• In 1971, approval was given by Her Majesty the Queen for the acceptance of Vietnamese Unit Citations by the 
  • 8th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, for it's service from November 1969 to October 1970 and particularly in respect of operations in the Long Hai Hills and 
  • No.2 Squadron RAAF for Vietnam service for it's service in Vietnam from 1968 to October 1970 as part of 35th Tactical Fighter Wing USAF.

• 2 Squadron RAAF was also awarded the United States Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with bronze "V" device for combat valour (more commonly referred to as USAFOUA(V) while attached to the USAF 35th Tactical Fighter Wing at Phan Rang Air Base in II Corps.

The metal and ribbon Distinguished Init Citation and  Presidential Unit Citation emblem .

1. Description: The Presidential Unit Citation emblem worn to represent award of the Presidential Unit Citation is 1 7/16 inches wide and 9/16 inch in height. The emblem consists of a 1/16 inch wide Gold frame with laurel leaves, which encloses an Ultramarine Blue 67118 ribbon.

2. Criteria: The Presidential Unit Citation is awarded to units of the Armed Forces of the United States and co-belligerent nations for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy occurring on or after 7 December 1941. The unit must display such gallantry, determination, and esprit de corps in accomplishing its mission under extremely difficult and hazardous conditions as to set it apart and above other units participating in the same campaign. The degree of heroism required is the same as that which would warrant award of a Distinguished Service Cross to an individual. Extended periods of combat duty or participation in a large number of operational missions, either ground or air is not sufficient. This award will normally be earned by units that have participated in single or successive actions covering relatively brief time spans. It is not reasonable to presume that entire units can sustain Distinguished Service Cross performance for extended time periods except under the most unusual circumstances. Only on rare occasions will a unit larger than battalion qualify for award of this decoration.

3. Components: The components of the Presidential Unit Citation are the emblem awarded to members of the unit and the streamer for display on the unit flag or guidon.

4. Background: a. The Distinguished Unit Citation was established as a result of Executive Order No. 9075, dated 26 February 1942. The Executive Order directed the Secretary of War to issue citations in the name of the President of the United States to Army units for outstanding performance of duty after 7 December 1941. The design submitted by the Office of the Quartermaster General was approved by the G1 on 30 May 1942.

        b. The Distinguished Unit Citation was re-designated the Presidential Unit Citation (Army) per DF, DCSPER, date 3 November 1966.

        c. The emblem is worn by all members of a cited organization and is considered an individual decoration for persons in connection with the cited acts and may be worn whether or not they continue as members of the organization. Other personnel may wear this decoration while serving with an organization to indicate the unit has been awarded the Presidential Unit Citation.

Embroidered Meritorious Unit Citation badge, WW2 version.

Numbers indicated the number of awards to the unit.

Metal and ribbon emblem as currently awarded

1. Description: The Meritorious Unit Commendation emblem worn to represent award of the Meritorious Unit Commendation is 1 7/16 inches wide and 9/16 inch in height. The emblem consists of a 1/16 inch wide Gold frame with laurel leaves which encloses a Scarlet 67111 ribbon. The previously authorized emblem was a Gold color embroidered laurel wreath, 1 5/8 inches in diameter on a 2 inches square of Olive Drab cloth.

2. Criteria: The Meritorious Unit Commendation is awarded to units for exceptionally meritorious conduct in performance of outstanding services for at least six continuous months during the period of military operations against an armed enemy occurring on or after 1 January 1944. Service in a combat zone is not required, but must be directly related to the combat effort. CONUS based units are excluded from this award as are other units outside the area of operation. The unit must display such outstanding devotion and superior performance of exceptionally difficult tasks as to set it apart and above other units with similar missions. The degree of achievement required is the same as that which would warrant award of the Legion of Merit to an individual. Only in rare cases will a unit larger than a battalion qualify for award of this decoration. For services performed during World War II, awards will be made only to service units and only for services performed between 1 January 1944 and 15 September 1946. Effective 1 March 1961, the Meritorious Unit Commendation was authorized for units and/or detachments of the Armed Forces of the United States for exceptionally meritorious conduct in performance of outstanding services for at least six continuous months in support of military operations. Such service is interpreted to relate to combat service support type activities and not to the type of activities performed by senior headquarters, combat, or combat support units.

3. Component: The current components of the Meritorious Unit Commendation are the emblems awarded to members of the unit and the streamer for display on the unit flag or guidon.

     a. Meritorious Unit Commendation Emblem:  

     b. Streamer:  

4. Background:
     a. The Meritorious Service Unit Plaque was established by War Department Circular No. 345, dated 23 August 1944. The circular provided that military personnel assigned or attached to an organization were entitled to wear the Meritorious Service Unit Insignia on the outside half of the right sleeve of the service coat and shirt, four inches above the end of the sleeve. Additional awards were to be indicated by a gold star to be placed on the plaque. War Department Circular No. 54, 1946, provided that additional awards would be indicated by placing a golden numeral inside the wreath.

RVN Gallantry Cross Unit Citation.

1. Description: A Gold color medal, 1 3/8 inches in width, consisting of a wreath superimposed by two crossed scimitars saltirewise and a Maltese cross. In the center of the Maltese cross a disc with an outline of the country of Vietnam between two palm sprigs joined at the bottom and a scroll overall inscribed "QUOC-GIA LAO-TUONG" (Reward of the State).

2. Ribbon: The ribbon is 1 3/8 inches wide and consists of the following stripes: 3/8 inch Old Glory Red 67156; center 5/8 inch Golden Yellow 67104 with 16 strands of Old Glory Red; and 3/8 inch Old Glory Red.

3. Criteria: a. U.S. Military units were individually cited for award of the Republic of Vietnam (RVN) Gallantry Cross; however, the Vietnamese Government issued the award to all units subordinate to Military Assistance Command (MACV) during the period 8 February 1962 and 28 March 1973 and to U.S. Army Vietnam and its subordinate units for the period 20 July 1965 to 28 March 1973. This permits all personnel who served in Vietnam to wear the RVN Gallantry Cross unit citation.

        b. The medal was awarded by the Vietnam Government to military personnel who have accomplished deeds of valor or displayed heroic conduct while fighting the enemy and have been cited individually at the regiment, brigade, division, corps, or armed forces level.

4. Components: The following are authorized components of the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross:

        a. Medal (regular size): 

        b. Medal (miniature size): 

        c. Ribbon: MIL-R-11589/173.  

        d. Streamers: Awarded to cited units. Inscription is as indicated on the unit's lineage and honors.  

        e. Unit Award:  

5. Background: a. The RVN Gallantry Cross was established by the Vietnam Government by Decree No. 74-b/Qt, dated 15 August 1950 and Decree No. 96/DQT/HC, dated 2 May 1952. Authorization for all U.S. Army personnel was confirmed in HDQA General Orders No. 8, dated 19 March 1974.

        b. Only one emblem (with palm) will be worn regardless of the number of times the unit was awarded the RVN Gallantry Cross.  

US Navy Unit Commendation

The US Navy Unit Commendation confers on the recipient the right to wear a distinctive pennant, a green burgee with blue, yellow and scarlet horizontal stripes top and bottom.  In addition, members of the ship's company serving in the ship during the period for which the citation is awarded, wear a separate ribbon.

The commendation, established in 1944, is a highly valued honour and during the period of the Vietnam war, had no equivalent in the Australian system of awards.  The award may be made to any unit of the US Navy or US Marine Corps which has distinguished itself by outstanding heroism in action against the enemy or to any unit which has distinguished itself by extremely meritorious service not involving combat, but in support of military operations.  The award may also be conferred upon units of armed forces of nations serving with the armed forces of the United States, providing that these units meet the standards established for US Navy and US Marine Corps Units.

US Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation

It may also be awarded to units of the other branches of the Armed Forces of the United States as well as to units of foreign nations serving with U.S. Forces, provided they meet the same standards established for Navy and Marine Corps units.

To justify this award, the unit must perform service of a character comparable to that which would justify the award of the Bronze Star Medal, or achievement of like calibre in a non-combat situation, to an individual.

MUC emblem (worn on right chest)

Streamer associated with the MUC

Memorandum & Citation for the 1RAR award for the MUC

Citation for the Eighth Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment

Official South Vietnamese translation of the citation for AATTV

REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM
CROSS OF GALLANTRY WITH PALM UNIT CITATION

This outstanding unit is an assemblage of first class fighting men who have a wealth of ability and goodwill.

The unit was first formed on 1 July 1962 with a basic role of Regimental Level Counter Insurgancy Operations Support and up until the 31 October 71 has ably assisted the Regiments of  I Corps at Phu Bai, the Rangers at Duc My and the Special Forces on the Laotian Border.

In 1964 the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam contributed to the development of the Regional and Popular Forces and established Advisory Teams in the Combat Battalions of the Military Regions.

In particular, the Training Team has participated in almost all the Military operations conducted in the Military Region I during the period from 1964 to 1970, and especially between February and August 1970, the Training Team contributed greatly to the successes of the battles to maintain the security of the Fuller, Tun Tavern and O'Reilly Fire Support Bases in Quang Tri and Thua Thien Provinces - battles which caused serious losses to the enemy in manpower and material.

During operations Lam Son 719, 720 and 810 and Quyet Thang 20/B1, these Australian fighting men regularly faced danger and fought courageously beside units of the Vietnamese Armed Forces while they destroyed many North Vietnamese Army Units.  The cumulative totals of enemy losses for these operations were:

23,381 enemy killed in action.
114 enemy captured
2,165 crew served weapons captured
5,658 individual weapons captured
108 armoured vehicles destroyed

In view of the Australian Army Training Team's achievements, it is seen that the unit has contributed greatly to the common struggle against communism and the protection of freedom in the Republic of Vietnam, while at the same time the unit has upheld the heroic traditions of the Australian Forces.

Citation for HMAS PERTH

For Exceptionally Meritorious Service from 9 September 1967 to 5 April 1968 in the planning and execution of combat missions against enemy aggressor forces in direct support of Free World Objectives.  While operating as a unit of the US Seventh Fleet, HMAS PERTH delivered extensive, destructive naval gunfire again enemy supply routes, coastal defense sites, troop concentrations, and fortified positions in both North and South Vietnam. The prowess and teamwork displayed by the personnel of PERTH were uniformly characterized by personal valor, professional acumen, and individual initiative.  Although often within the range of enemy coastal defense sites, PERTH quickly responded with skill and resourcefulness, silencing enemy batteries while manoeuvring adroitly to avoid sustaining any damage or injury to herself. As an element of Task Unit 70.8.9 HMAS PERTH provided Naval Gunfire Support for United States and Allied Forces ashore in the Republic of Vietnam, and as an element of Task Group 77.1 in the Gulf of Tonkin, supported Naval Operations against North Vietnamese logistics groups and lines of communications. The tenacity, professionalism, and dedication demonstrated by the officers and men of PERTH reflect great credit upon themselves and the Royal Australian Navy.

Number 2 Squadron RAAF Unit Citations

 As such, it was presented in standard USAF ribbons size and is consequently smaller than the first two citations awarded to 2 SQN. The citation ribbon is worn by members of the USAF on the left breast and by non-USAF forces on the right breast.

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