Vietnam War commemorative medallion and certificate
Last updated:
To acknowledge the 50th anniversary of the end of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs will produce a Commemorative Medallion and Certificate of Commemoration.
The medallion and certificate will be made available to every living veteran, widows of veterans and other family members of veterans of the Vietnam War. Please note that only one medallion is available per Vietnam War veteran. While Australia can never repay the debt we owe to the 60,000 who served in Vietnam, this medallion and certificate are a small but meaningful way to honour their service and to recognise the sacrifice of those who never returned home.
The obverse design features the Commonwealth Coat of Arms with 'Vietnam War' inscribed at the top and 'Australia Remembers' at the bottom. The reverse side features words of thanks at the bottom with the years 1962-73 inscribed at the top to represent the years in which Australia was involved in the Vietnam War. The medallion also features depictions of a UH-1 Iroquois 'Huey' Helicopter, HMAS Sydney (III) 'Vung Tau Ferry' and an Australian solider holding an SLR.
The medallion will be presented in a display case and will include a card that explains the design and contains a brief expression of thanks.
The design of the commemorative certificate will complement the medallion. The design includes the Commonwealth Coat of Arms, ‘Australia Remembers’ wording and includes the signature of both the Governor-General and the Prime Minister.
The certificate will be contained within its own folder that will allow for independent display, framing and mounting.
Applications can be made online at National Mail & Marketing through the button below:
If you are having difficulties with your application and require assistance please phone 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372) between 9am and 5pm AEST Monday to Friday and when prompted say the word ‘medallions’.
Please note: the final medallion to be struck may vary in size, scale and design from this image.
Frequently asked questions
Who is eligible for a medallion?
Any Australian veteran who served in the Vietnam War. Additionally, a widow or a family member of an Australian veteran who served is also eligible to apply. Although the family member doesn’t need to be the immediate family of the deceased veteran it should be assumed that the immediate family members would have precedence.
Where can I apply for the Commemorative Medallion and Certificate?
Applications for the medallion and certificate are made through National Mailing and Marketing website accessed through the link provided above.
Applications are not made through DVA or MyGov accounts.
How many medallions are available per veteran?
Only one medallion is available per Vietnam War veteran. It’s advisable that an agreement is made within the family of a deceased veteran as to who will apply for the medallion and certificate. The registration system prevents multiple people applying on behalf of the same veteran.
Can I opt to only receive the Medallion or the Certificate?
Yes. If your preference is to receive only the medallion or certificate, you can select which you would like to receive during the application process.
How much does the medallion cost?
Nothing, the medallion is free for any Australian veteran who served in the Vietnam War. Additionally, a widow or a family member of a veteran who served is also eligible to apply. Although the family member doesn’t need to be the immediate family of the deceased veteran it should be assumed that the immediate family members would have precedence.
Can I purchase additional Medallions?
Only one medallion is available per Vietnam War veteran. Additional medallions are not available to be purchased.
Are additional certificates available for family members?
Only one physical copy of the certificate will be made available and will accompany the medallion. Should any additional family members wish to obtain a PDF version of the certificate, this is available through the normal application process. You will notice that the option to receive the medallion is not available if someone has already applied.
How can I reprint the certificate?
A copy of the certificate can be downloaded from your National Mailing and Marketing account.
- Log into account your National Mailing and Marketing account
- Select: Menu and My orders from the drop down box
- Search Orders: enter in your order number (e.g. VTN0099999) and select search to bring up your order
- Select: Edit
- Select: Proof
- A PDF copy of the certificate will open in a separate box
- Save (Option to save is 3 dots beside the cog)
How do I update the text to be displayed on my certificate?
The text to be printed on your certificate can be updated from your National Mailing and Marketing account, so long as your order has not yet been dispatched.
- Log into account your National Mailing and Marketing account
- Select: Menu and My orders from the drop down box
- Search Orders: enter in your order number (e.g. VTN0099999) and select search to bring up your order
- Certificate Text field – update text to be displayed on the certificate
- Select: Proof
- A PDF copy of the certificate will open in a separate box
- Save (Option to save is 3 dots beside the cog)
How long will it take to receive my medallion and certificate?
You can expect to receive your medallions and certificate within five weeks of submitting an application.
Can I have the medallion and certificate sent to an overseas address?
Yes. Delivery times may be delayed if the medallion and certificate are sent overseas.
Is there a closing date for ordering a medallion and certificate?
At this stage applications are expected to remain open for the foreseeable future.
How do I verify if a veteran served in the Vietnam War?
If you are unsure if a veteran served in Vietnam and is eligible for a medallion and certificate you can check the DVA Nominal Roll. If you believe a name is missing from the Nominal Roll please contact the Department via email at commemorations [at] dva.gov.au.
Are there other activities planned to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War?
A series of events will be undertaken throughout the year, culminating in a national commemorative service on Vietnam Veterans’ Day, 18 August 2023, at the Australian Vietnam Forces National Memorial on Anzac Parade, Canberra. More information can be found here.
What are the operating hours of the commemoration team and how can I send an enquiry after hours?
The commemorations team can be contacted from 9am until 5pm AEST Monday to Friday and when prompted say the word ‘medallions’.
After hours enquiries can be sent to commemorations [at] dva.gov.au
Contact information
Department of Veterans’ Affairs
Phone: 1800 838 372
Email: commemorations [at] dva.gov.au