
All Armed Forces personnel assigned to the 1st Marine Division during the following time periods rate one PUC for each period:
All Armed Forces personnel assigned to the 1st Marine Division during the following time periods rate one MUC for each period:
All Armed Forces personnel assigned to the 1st Marine Regiment/1st Marine Division during the following time periods rate one PUC for each period:
All Armed Forces personnel assigned to 2nd Bn., 1st Reg., 1st MarDiv with the exception of during the following time periods rate one PUC for each period:
All Armed Forces personnel assigned to Echo Company, 2nd Bn., 1st Marines rate the following:
- For service between 10 October 1966 through 27 April 1967...one PUC
- For service between 6 June 1967 through 15 September 1967...one PUC
- For service between 28 May 1968 through 29 May 1968...one MUC
- For service between 3 March 1971 through 12 March 1971...one NUC
All Armed Forces personnel assigned to Foxtrot Company, 2nd Bn., 1st Marines rate the following:
- For service between 10 October 1966 through 24 April 1967...one PUC
- For service between 25 April 1967 through 5 June 1967...one PUC
- for service between 6 June 1967 through 15 September 1967...one PUC
- For service between 13 May 1968 through 16 May 1968...one MUC
Anyone who
served with 1st, 2nd, or 3rd Platoon, 60mm, m-60 guns, or the Command Group
of Foxtrot Company, 2nd Bn., 1st Marines rates one MUC.

Specific rules of eligibility apply
to this ribbon. One does not rate it for just being in a combat zone or
drawing combat pay. To proudly wear this ribbon, you must have received
and returned fire from an enemy force. A firefight, of course, qualifies
one for this ribbon. However, other events such as being on the receiving
end of rocket or mortar fire does not. As always, being able to document
qualifying events assures this ribbon award is placed in your record.

The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal shall not be awarded for any operation for which any other US campaign medals have been specifically authorized. They have not been issued for service in Vietnam after 3 July 1965. Brothers who have earned this medal for service in Vietnam from the period 1 July 1958 through 3 July 1965 may elect to receive the Vietnam Service Medal in lieu of the AEF

No individual is entitled to both
the AEF and the Vietnam Service Medal for service in Vietnam.
If you served with 2nd Bn., 1st Reg., 1st MarDiv between 4 July 1965 and 28 March 1973, you no doubt qualify for the Vietnam Campaign Medal.
However, a bronze star, 3/16" in diameter is authorized to be worn on the suspension bar of the medal if you served during one of the following:

All Armed Forces
personnel assigned to the
1st Marine Division between the dates
of 8 February 1962 and 28 March 1973 are authorized to wear the Republic
Of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Commendation Gallantry Cross With Palm And
Frame.

All Armed Forces
personnel assigned to the
1st Marine Division between the dates
of 1 April 1966 to 20 April 1970 are eligible for the Republic Of Vietnam
Meritorious Unit Commendation Civil Action Cross With Palm And Frame.
(no picture available)
Sources cited for the medals and awards listed above are: MCOP1650.27G under pages 3E7, 7C3, and 7C4. Also Department of the Navy, SECNAV INSTRUCTION 1650.1E, pages 2-12, 4-26 to 4-33, and 7-10 to 7-16.
Everyone
knows what these medals are and no explanation is required as to how they
are earned.
Bravery,
valor, and wounds sustained in combat will put these medals on your chest
to show the world what kind of Marine you were when the going got tough.
But
sometimes military awards bring civilian rewards. All members should check
it out with your respective local, city, or state governments. This can
translate to real dollars in your pocket. For example, I have a Purple
Heart, for action on Operation Harvest Moon. In my state (Massachusetts)
I am entitled to Purple Heart automobile plates each time I register my
vehicle. These are considered vanity plates and they cost $75.00 each time
you re-register. Though one of many types of vanity plates that the state
offers, my Purple Heart plates are free. I save $75.00 every time I register
my vehicle.
Also, in my town of Westford, Massachusetts,
my Purple Heart entitles me to $175.00 per year abated from my property
tax bill. This money comes right off the amount I owe in property tax,
not a deduction from my assessed property valuation. This results in a
pure savings to me of $175 per year. Though I'm not certain of it, I believe
the Silver Star and the Bronze Star can garner even more savings in taxes
in my state. I know that mine isn't the only state in the Union that loves
its veterans. Most states (probably all) must offer some kind of monetary
benefits for medals you may have won in Vietnam.
The point is this, Gentlemen and/or
ladies, if you don't think you are getting all the benefits that accrue
to you for the medals you earned, check it out. It can only cost a phone
call and may save you some money.