Name/Title
Viet Cong Warrior MedalDescription
A lightweight and thin, scalloped circle-shaped medal hanging from a small rectangular pin than says '1963.' The central device is a red circle with a silver star surrounded by the words 'chien si thi dua' and a pair of gathered leaves. 'Chiến sĩ thi đua' translates loosely as 'emulation soldier.'Use
Awarded by the National Liberation Front of South Vietnam (formal) or Viet Cong (informal) for combat operations against an anti-communist enemy.
Collecting the large and varied variety of propaganda materials, medals, equipment, clothing, and other items used and carried by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War was a common practice by American servicemen serving in the region.Context
This piece was picked up and collected by James "Doc" Pueschel during his service during the Vietnam War. A Navy corpsman attached to the 1st Marine Division, 3rd Battalion, Mike Company during the Vietnam War, Pueschel was one of many Navy medical personnel attached to a Marine unit.
Ultimately only in country 75 days (March 17 -June 1, 1968) Pueschel was attached to Mike Company, tasked with protecting truck convoys along Route 9 to and from Khe Sanh Combat Base. On May 31st, 1968, a booby-trapped M-16 set off an explosion that tore through the company.
After the explosion and sustained firefighting with the Viet Cong, backup arrived, and Pueschel was medevac'd with all the Mike Company marines. Mike Company took 100% casualties, with their Navy corpsman taking four injuries while attempting to patch men up during combat.Collection
James "Doc" Pueschel CollectionAcquisition
Accession
2024.43Source or Donor
Paula PueschelAcquisition Method
DonationInscription/Signature/Marks
Type
InscriptionLocation
Central circle of medalTranscription
chiến sĩ thi đuaLanguage
VietnameseTranslation
Emulation SoldierMaterial/Technique
EmbossedUpdate Date
March 10, 2025