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
(USS BENEWAH (APB-35) 1 Jul 70 - 26 Feb 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
THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY
WASHINGTON
The Secretary of the Navy takes pleasure in commending
RIVER ASSAULT FLOTILLA ONE
for service as set forth in the following
CITATION:
For exceptionally meritorious service from 19 June 1967 through 16 January 1968 while operating with friendly forces engaged in armed conflict against communist
aggressor (Viet Cong) forces in the Mekong Delta region of the Republic of Vietnam during Operations CORONADO I through IX. As the naval component of the Army/Navy
Mobile Riverine Force (Task Force 117), the ships and assault boats of River Assault Flotilla ONE provided close logistic, communication, and gunfire support to troops
of the United States Army's 9th Infantry Division and to the 5th Vietnamese Marine Corps Battalion which were conducting riverine assault operations. In so doing, a
new concept of modern warfare in a counter-aggressor environment came into being and proved to be remarkably effective. As the only American strike force in the entire
region, the Mobile Riverine Force vigorously pursued the Viet Cong along nearly every river, stream, and canal in the central Delta area, particularly in his known base
sanctuaries. The assault boats of River Assault Flotilla ONE were the targets of repeated ambushes, many at nearly point-blank range, while traversing the narrow,
heavily vegetated waterways, but flotilla crewman responded on every occasion with unyielding courage and intrepid valor to suppress the enemy's attacks.
The CORONADO operations were directly responsible for depriving the Viet Cong of sole possession of hundreds of waterways they had dominated for more than a decade,
for significantly reducing the combat effectiveness of the Viet Cong fighting forces, and for returning to the Vietnamese civilian his freedom of movement throughout
much of the Delta. By their gallantry in the face of enemy opposition, their dedicated zeal on behalf of a beleaguered people, and their superlative performance as
individuals and as a team, the officers and men of River Assault Flotilla ONE upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
All personnel attached to and serving with River Assault Flotilla ONE during the above-designated period, or any part thereof, are hereby authorized to wear the Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon.
(Signed) John H. Chafee
Secretary of the Navy
Self-propelled Barracks Ship APB-35 Benewah
CHIEF OF NAVAL OPERATIONS
The Secretary of the Navy takes pleasure in presenting the
MERITORIOUS UNIT COMMENDATION to the
RIVERINE STRIKE GROUP
(TASK GROUP 194.7)
for service as set forth in the following
CITATION:
For meritorious achievement while participating in combat operations against enemy forces in the Mekong Delta region of the Republic of Vietnam, from 25 August to 16 November 1969. The Riverine Strike Group and its supporting elements distinguished themselves heroically by providing close naval gunfire support and logistic and communication support to troops of the 3rd Brigade, 9th Infantry Division, United States Army; the 46th Regiment, 25th Army of the Republic of Vietnam Division; units of the Vietnamese Marine Corps; and various companies of Vietnamese Regional and Popular Forces. In so doing, the Riverine Strike Group supported a concerted offensive campaign into enemy-infested rural areas of the Delta. Fire fights on the rivers and narrow canals were almost daily occurrences and rocket and mining attacks against the Mobile Riverine Bases were an ever-present danger. During these repeated combat actions against the enemy, the officers and men of the Riverine Strike Group exhibited exceptional courage, proficiency, and patience. Their operations were directly responsible for weakening the hold of the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese in the Mekong Delta and for depriving them of possession of hundreds of miles of waterways. The gallantry of the men of the Riverine Strike Group in the face of enemy fire and their zealous performance in offensive operations were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
For the Secretary,
E. R Zumwalt, Jr.
Admiral, United States Navy
Chief of Naval Operations
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