Self-propelled Barracks Ship APB-35 Benewah

By virtue of the authority vested in me as President of the United States and as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the United States, I have today awarded
THE PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION (NAVY)
FOR EXTRAORDINARY HEROISM TO
The United States Navy Element of the
MOBILE RIVERINE FORCE (TASK FORCE 117)
For extraordinary heroism and outstanding performance of duty from 25 January through 5 July 1969 while engaged in armed conflict against enemy forces in the Mekong Delta region of the Republic of Vietnam. With enemy forces planning to launch a large-scale, winter-spring offensive against Saigon and other cities of the upper Mekong Delta, the ships and assault craft of Task Force 117 provided waterborne mobile support to United States Army, Vietnamese Army, and Vietnamese Marine Corps troops. By riverine assault operations preempting enemy offensive operations, the Force made a significant contribution to thwarting the threat to Saigon and the Mekong Delta. Surprise attacks and routine fire fights on the narrow streams and canals were an almost daily occurrence, while rocket and mining attacks against the Mobile Riverine Bases were an ever present danger. The courage and determination of Task Force 117 personnel contributed significantly to the successful completion of each Force objective. The skill, fortitude, perseverance, and sustained outstanding performance of the officers and men of the United States Navy Element of the Mobile Riverine Force reflected great credit upon themselves and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. Richard Nixon
[APL-30 - 1 Jul 69 - 30 Jun 71]

THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY
WASHINGTON
The Secretary of the Navy takes pleasure in presenting
NAVY UNIT COMMENDATION
to UNITED STATES NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY, SAIGON

for service as set forth in the following
CITATION:
For exceptionally meritorious service from 16 March 1966 to 30 April 1972, in providing logistic support to U. S. Navy, U. S. Coast Guard, and Free World Naval Forces in Military Regions ONE, TWO, THREE and FOUR, Republic of Vietnam. During this period, United States Naval Support Activity, Saigon was tasked with requirements to overhaul and repair craft and equipment; provide administrative personnel, accounting, health, and welfare services; and provide logistical and fiscal support in matters of weapons, ammunition, base defense, port services, air and surface transportation, and operational publications. Concurrently, programs were initiated to build Riverine Warfare (GAME WARDEN) support bases, develop and expand the Coastal Surveillance (MARKET TIME) and Harbor Defense support bases, develop support for the Mobile Riverine Force concept, and establish policies and procedures for the full range of logistic support. Despite an adverse and often hostile environment, and with a continual shortage of personnel and equipment, United States Naval Support Activity, Saigon provided these necessary support functions to the U. S. Navy and Coast Guard forces operating in all areas of the Republic of Vietnam. In planning, coordinating and supporting United States Naval Forces efforts in the Vietnamization Program which required an expeditious turnover of United States Navy assets to the Vietnamese Navy, United States Naval Support Activity, Saigon executed a carefully planned integration of United States and Vietnamese personnel and assets into a truly Vietnamese military effort with American advisors. The superlative performance of duty by the personnel of United States Naval Forces Activity, Saigon reflects great credit upon themselves and the United States Naval Service.
John W. Warner
Secretary of the Navy

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