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 performances 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 oper-

ations, 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 Mobile Riverine Bases were an ever-

present danger. The courage and determination of Task Force 117 person-

nel 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