THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY

Washington

The Secretary of the Navy takes pleasure in commending the

RACH GIA INTERDICTION GROUP (Task Group 194.6)

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

For exceptionally meritorious service from 7 November to 17 December

1968 while engaged in armed conflict against North Vietnamese and Viet

Cong communist aggressor forces in the Republic of Vietnam. During this

period, the various elements of the Rach Gia Interdiction Group pressed

an extremely daring and effective campaign against the ingression of com-

munist personnel and war materials from Cambodia into the lower Mekong

Delta region. Operating under hazardous and austere conditions, the patrol

and air-support units of the Rach Gia Interdiction Group stalked the nar-

row, enemy-infested canals in an unceasing effort to detect and destroy the

communist aggressors. Although the toll of American casualties was high

during these days of countless engagements, Task Group personnel con-

sistently displayed a determined and aggressive fighting spirit, braving

continual heavy enemy fire at point-blank range. Ultimately, the enemy

threat was quelled, a major route of communist resupply was severed, and

pacification and Vietnamese resettlement commenced. By their valiant

professionalism, courageous sacrifice, and inspiring devotion to duty in

the face of grave enemy opposition, the officers and men of the Rach Gia

Interdiction Group were singularly responsible for the prodigious suc-

cesses of the campaign, and reflected great credit upon themselves, their

units, and the United States Naval Service.

All personnel attached to and serving with the Rach Gia Interdiction Group (Task

Group 194.6) during the above-designated period, or any part thereof, are hereby

authorized to wear the Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon.

John Warner

Secretary of the Navy

(Acting)

List of Participants/Units Who Qualify For This Award

Naval Advisory Group Team 55

Coastal Division 11

Helicopter Attack (Light) Squadron THREE DET 5

Helicopter Attack (Light) Squadron THREE DET 7

Naval Intelligence Liaison Officer

River Assault Squadron 13

River Assault Squadron 15

Commander River Patrol Force and Staff

River Section 531