The Civil Actions Medal, occasionally referred to as the Civic Actions Medal, is a bronze eight-pointed star with alternating points of the star lined, superimposed by a disk with a figure of a soldier, a child, and a farmer with a shovel, all enclosed by a white enamel designation band inscribed Dân Vụ (Civil Action) at the top and Bội Tinh (Medal) at the bottom.

The Republic of Vietnam made some revisions pertaining to the Civil Actions Medal in 1965 and 1967.

The unit citation ribbon uses the Vietnam Civil Actions Medal design (First Class with two thin red stripes in center) service ribbon with a bronze palm enclosed in a thin gold frame for the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Air Force, and a thick gold frame for U.S. Army personnel.

Former US Air Force personnel who served in the Vietnam War can apply for the unit award.

A written request can be submitted for the awards as The Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross) and the Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Civil Actions Medal).

Former Coast Guard personnel who served in the Vietnam War can apply for the unit award.