Vietnam commission’s Certificate of Honor program pays tribute to POWs, spouses and families

By

Military Times staff

Family members of those whose names appear on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial are among those eligible for a new recognition program commemorating the Vietnam War’s 50th anniversary. (Staff/file)

In addition to providing lapel pins for Vietnam War-period veterans, the Vietnam War Commemoration has four certificates available to honor specific groups of veterans and family members.

The Certificate of Honor program recognizes individuals in these four categories:

  • Living former prisoners of war from the Vietnam War, as listed by the Defense Department.
  • Immediate family members of U.S. military personnel listed by DoD as missing and unaccounted for from the Vietnam War.
  • Immediate family members of veterans listed on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.  
  • Surviving spouses (from time of death) of a veteran who served between Nov. 1, 1955, and May 15, 1975.

Those eligible for the above awards must obtain them through a commemorative partner — a local organization that works with the commission.

To find out more about partners in your area, as well as specific eligibility requirements, visit www.vietnamwar50th.com, call the commemoration offices at 877-387-9951, or email vnwar50th_coh@mail.mil.