The Republic of Vietnam (RVN) Navy Gallantry Cross honors members of the Navy who carried out feats of valor or heroism in combat with hostile forces. The award was authorized for issuance with different devices at the level of the Armed Forces (palm), Brigade (bronze star), Corps (gold star, Division (silver star), or Regiment (bronze star); there was also a Unit version of the award. It is roughly comparable to the Legion of Merit award.
For the Navy version, service must have taken place in Vietnam between February 8, 1962 and March 28, 1973.
The former Republic of South Vietnam created a series of awards to honor military members and civilians who carried out service on behalf of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War and related operations between 1949 and 1974. As the nation no longer exists, the awards are considered obsolete.
The medal is gold and in the shape of a Celtic cross superimposed upon a wreath and crossed swords; in the center appear the contours of Vietnam as well as two branches of palm. An inscription over the map reads “QUOC GIA LAO TUONG,” which translates to “REWARD OF THE STATE.” The ribbon features a thick vertical white stripe in the center flanked on either side by a slightly thinner blue stripe.
The Navy version of the award was issued with an anchor device.