THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY

For service as set forth in the following

For exceptionally meritorious service from 5 March 1968

through 24 January 1969 while operating with friendly foreign forces en-

gaged in armed conflict against communist aggressor forces in the Mekong

Delta region of the Republic of Vietnam. 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, communica-

tion, and gunfire support to troops of the United States Army’s 9th Infantry

Division, the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Vietnamese Marine Corps Battalions, and

the 9th and 21st Divisions of the Army of the Republic of Vietnam during

riverine assault operations which were part of a concerted offensive cam-

paign into communist-dominated rural areas. Ambushes and firefights on

the rivers and narrow canals were almost daily occurrences; and rocket

and mining attacks were frequent and ever-present dangers. The multiple

operations of River Assault Flotilla ONE during this period were directly

responsible for weakening the hold of the Viet Cong and their North Viet-

namese cohorts on the Delta, for depriving them of sole possession of

hundreds of waterways, and for ensuring freedom of movement for Viet-

namese civilians throughout much of the Delta. In the kind of close combat

action which requires exceptional courage, enterprise, and patience, the

officers and men of River Assault Flotilla ONE consistently exhibited these

qualities. Their gallantry in the face of continuous enemy opposition, and

their superlative performance as individuals and as a team, were in keep-

ing with 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.

J Warner

Secretary of the Navy

(Acting)