Decree No. 50/SL Regarding the Establishment of Two Types of Medals to Reward Military Forces or Militia Self-Defense Units for Outstanding Combat Achievements: The Military Merit Medal and the Soldier Medal.

DECREE

OF THE CHAIRMAN OF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM

NUMBER 50 ON 15 MAY 1947

PRIME MINISTER

Pursuant to Decree No. 34 dated March 25, 1946, and Decree No. 35-SL dated March 19, 1947, organizing the Ministry of National Defense;

Pursuant to Decree No. 71 dated May 22, 1946, establishing the rules for the National Army;

"Based on the proposal of the Minister of National Defense;"

ISSUES THE DECREE:

Article 1

Now, two special medals are established to reward the Army or militia, self-defense forces that have achieved many combat achievements:

- The Military Merit Medal and

- The Soldier Medal.

These two medals are awarded to military units or civilian militia, self-defense groups.

I- THE MILITARY MERIT MEDAL

Article 2

The Military Merit Medal has three classes:

1- The first-class Military Merit Medal is awarded or posthumously awarded to those who have performed outstanding feats of arms or died in extremely heroic circumstances.

2- The second-class Military Merit Medal is awarded or posthumously awarded to those who have bravely fought, accomplished significant deeds, been wounded, or died in heroic circumstances.

3- The third-class Military Merit Medal is awarded to those who have courageously fulfilled their duties, benefited their own army, or injured enemy forces.

The first-class Military Merit Medal is granted by the Prime Minister, while the second and third classes are granted by the Minister of National Defense.

(Article 46, Decree No. 71 dated May 22, 1946).

Article 3

The first-class Military Merit Medal will be proposed by the Minister of National Defense or the Chief Commander of the National Army.

The second and third-class Military Merit Medals will be proposed by Regional Commanders or the Chief of General Staff.

Article 4

In a grand ceremony, if there is a recipient of the first-class Military Merit Medal, the music will play a salute according to the rank of general in the army. For recipients of the second and third-class Military Merit Medals, the music will play a salute according to the rank of colonel in the army.

II- THE SOLDIER MEDAL

Article 5

The Soldier Medal has three classes: first, second, and third, and will be awarded by decree of the Minister of National Defense.

The first and second-class Soldier Medals will be proposed by Regional Commanders or the Chief of General Staff.

The third-class Soldier Medal will be proposed by commanders from battalion level upwards.

Article 6

The first-class Soldier Medal is awarded to those who have bravely fought, achieved significant accomplishments, or been wounded in extremely difficult situations.

The second-class Soldier Medal is awarded to those who have courageously fought and achieved notable results in difficult situations.

The third-class Soldier Medal is awarded to those who have engaged in fierce combat, exemplified discipline, and set a good example for comrades.

GENERAL PROVISIONS

ARTICLE 7

Details regarding the ceremonial presentation, design, etc., will be determined by decree of the Minister of National Defense.

Article 8

The Minister of National Defense shall implement this decree accordingly.