When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
VIET CONG SAPPER / SPECIAL FORCES
RARE -Vietnam, 1960s – National Liberation Front (NLF) / Viet Cong Medal “For the Cause of Great National Unity” – Sappers & Special Forces Issue
Authentic brass and enamel decoration issued by the Mặt trận Dân tộc Giải phóng miền Nam Việt Nam (National Liberation Front – Viet Cong) between 1962 and 1969.
This early award features a five-pointed brass star with a central red enamel medallion bearing a raised gilt portrait of President Hồ Chí Minh, surrounded by the inscription:
“VÌ SỰ NGHIỆP ĐẠI ĐOÀN KẾT TOÀN DÂN”.
“For the Cause of Great National Unity”.
The red enamel suspension bar is in brass, typical of Viet Cong and early NVA production. The reverse is plain brass with natural oxidation and handling marks.
These medals were presented primarily to Special Forces (Đặc Công) and Sapper Units of the NLF and North Vietnamese Army for successful attacks and sabotage operations against U.S. and ARVN bases during the Vietnam War, particularly in the years leading up to the Tet Offensive of 1968.
Early issues such as this were produced in very limited quantities and were discontinued by 1969 when award systems were unified under the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.
Material: Brass with red enamel
Size: 45 mm (star)
Mount: Brass bar with red enamel, pin-back
Obverse: Portrait of Ho Chi Minh, red enamel background
Reverse: Plain, unmarked
Date of Issue: Circa 1962–1969
Origin: Viet Cong / NLF, South Vietnam
Rarity: Very Rare – Field-issued award for Special Operations Forces
Condition: Good vintage condition with age patina and enamel wear consistent with age and service
Translation: “VÌ SỰ NGHIỆP ĐẠI ĐOÀN KẾT TOÀN DÂN” = For the Cause of Great National Unity.
Such medals were sparsely awarded after successful sapper raids, intelligence operations, or acts of exceptional bravery behind enemy lines, including the destruction of U.S. aircraft, supply depots, or bridges. Surviving examples are extremely scarce, as few were officially documented or retained following the war’s end.
The back of the medal is plain, flat brass, showing a fingerprint due to hand-finishing.
This order is awarded only to members of the Viet Cong SAPPER, Special Forces Units.Rare, immaculate, complete original condition. Vietnam War Awarded. Magnificent and Rare Vietnam War Original.
