The Mendocino County Museum is pleased to be sharing 10 military medals and ribbons recently acquired for our education collection. The medals and accompanying research have been made possible through the generous donation and research of retired U.S. Army Major Dennis Miner.
The purpose of this collection is to provide tangible interactive items to support the Mendocino County Fallen Vietnam War Veterans Memorial and Exhibit. The selected medals and their associated ribbons are examples of those awarded to the 22 service men honored on the Mendocino County Fallen Vietnam War Veterans Memorial. If you are interested in finding out more about the 22 servicemen and the Mendocino County Fallen Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Dennis Miner's book Our Gallant Men can be read here. We look forward to offering programs and sharing more about the history of these medals in the the future.
Medal: Silver Star
Awarded for: Gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States.
Established by: Act of Congress 9 July, 1918
Medal: Distinguished Flying Cross
Awarded for: Heroism or extraordinary achievement in an aerial flight.
Established by: Act of Congress 2 July 1926
Medal: Soldiers Medal
Awarded for: Heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States.
Established by: Act of Congress 2 July 1926
Medal: Bronze Star with “V” Device
Awarded for: Heroic or meritorious achievement or service. “V” for heroism in combat.
Established by: Executive Order 4 February 1944
Medal: Purple Heart
Awarded for: Being wounded or killed in any action against an enemy of the United States or as a result of an act of any enemy or opposing force.
Established by: General George Washington 7 August 1782
Medal: Air Medal
Awarded for: Single acts of heroism or meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight.
Established by: Executive Order 11 May 1942
Medal: National Defense Service Medal
Awarded for: Honorable active service between 31 December 1960 and 14 August 1974.
Established by: Executive Order 11 May 1942
Medal: Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
Awarded for: US operations of assistance for friendly foreign nations.
Established by: Executive Order 4 December 1961
Medal: Vietnam Service Medal
Awarded for: Serving in the armed forces in geographic theater area of Vietnam between 1961 and 1975.
Established by: Executive Order 1 October 1965
Medal: Vietnam Campaign Medal
Awarded for: Six months service in Vietnam or in direct combat support of operations from 1960 -
Established by: Republic of South Vietnam, authorized by Department of Defense Directive 20 June 1966