Vietnam War
| Unit | Service | Year awarded | Campaign or battle | Other notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Military Intelligence Battalion (ARS) | U.S. Army | 23 January 1969 | 1966–1967 | U.S. Air Force Presidential Unit Citation for extraordinary gallantry in connection with military operations from 18 February 1966 to 30 June 1967. |
| 460th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing | U.S. Air Force | 23 January 1969 | 1966–1967 | For extraordinary gallantry in connection with military operations from 18 February 1966 to 30 June 1967. |
| 366th Tactical Fighter Wing | U.S. Air Force | Vietnam Cease-Fire | The 366th Tactical Fighter Wing, Pacific Air Forces distinguished itself by extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against opposing armed forces in Southeast Asia, from 1 April 1972 to 26 June 1972. During this period, members of the 366th Tactical Fighter Wing, participating in a variety of tactical missions, were responsible for inflicting heavy damage on hostile forces while flying 11,500 sorties in support of United States and Republic of Vietnam forces under attack. In the course of these operations, Wing personnel repeatedly braved intense hostile fire from rockets, mortars, antiaircraft artillery-small arms weapons and surface-to-air missiles. The professionalism, dedication to duty, and extraordinary heroism demonstrated by the members of the 366th Tactical Fighter Wing are in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service and reflect the highest credit upon themselves and the Armed Forces of the United States. | |
| Company D 4th Battalion 12th Infantry, 199th Infantry Brigade and Attached Units: Medical Aid Detachment, Battalion Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Battalion 12th Infantry; Forward Observer Team/Battery C, 2nd Battalion 40th Artillery and 1st Platoon, D Troop, 17th Armored Cavalry. | U.S. Army | 1969 | May Offensive | GENERAL ORDERS NO. 60 HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY WASHINGTON, DC, 17 OCTOBER 1969: (awarded to these units) who distinguished themselves by extraordinary heroism during the period 5 to 10 May 1968, while engaged in military operations against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Serving as a blocking element to deny hostile forces approach routes into Saigon and portions of Binh Chanh District, Company D and attached units repeatedly displayed outstanding acts of valor against superior forces in offensive, defensive, and ambush operations. During the period nine major contacts were made with elements of four North Vietnamese Army battalions and in each instance the enemy forces were routed from the battlefield by the aggressive action, teamwork, firepower, spirit, heroism, and outstanding tactics of the combined arms team. Maintaining pressure on the enemy forces to prevent their withdrawal, Company D dispersed and demoralized the units and prevented their reorganization, while killing 181 North Vietnamese Army soldiers and capturing ten prisoners of war, numerous weapons, equipment, and ammunition. Throughout the prolonged period of savage fighting the men of Company D by their relentless determination, undaunted courage and aggressive spirit performed countless acts of heroism as they defeated enemy forces with numerically superior automatic weapons, small arms, mortar and rocket fire. These actions significantly contributed to the overall defense of Saigon. The extraordinary heroism, devotion to duty, and determination of all personnel of Company D and attached units reflect great credit upon themselves, their units and the United States Army. Delta Company is also entitled to the Presidential Unit Citation (Army) Streamer embroidered SAIGON |
| 4th Infantry Division | U.S. Army | 1966 | Battle of Ducco and Jackson Hole Vietnam | 1st Brigade only and Supporting Units, and second one, Oakleaf Cluster in October and into November 1967, Battle of Dakto the forward 4th Infantry Base Camp and SOG's, Special Forces Camp, and Battle of Kontum,and LZ Jackson Hole, Vietnam. |
| 173rd Airborne Brigade (Separate) | U.S. Army | Battle of Dak To | Nov. 6—25, 1967 | |
| 101st Airborne Division | U.S. Army | Battle of Dong Ap Bia Mountain | 3rd Brigade Only | |
| 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment | U.S. Army | Hau Nghia-Binh Duong | Tet Offensive near Saigon, Hq. Troop/Air Cavalry Troop, 1st Platoon Gunships (1st Sqdn.), and Troops A,B,C and Company D | |
| 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment | U.S. Army | 7 November 1969 | Duc Hoa, Hau Nghia Province | "3rd Squadron and attached and supporting units, 1st Platoon, Air Cavalry Troop, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment; 2d Platoon, 919th Engineer Company; Tactical Air Control Party, 19th Tactical Air Support Squadron distinguished themselves by extraordinary heroism in actions against hostile forces in the Republic of Vietnam from 12 March 1968 to 1 April 1968. During this peripd the 3d Squardon conducted continuous offensive operations in the vicinity of Duc Hoa, Hau Nghia Province as part of the South Vietnamese counter-offensive Quet Thang." |
| 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment | U.S. Army | 2009 | War Zone C, Tay Ninh Province | Troop A, 11th Armored Cavalry for action on 26 March 1970, Troop A volunteered to rescue Company C, 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division who was surrounded by an overwhelming enemy force near the Cambodian border, in The Dog's Face, in Tay Ninh Province, Republic of Vietnam. Company C was engaged by a battalion of the 272nd Regiment of the North Vietnamese Army which was fighting from a sheltered and fortified bunker complex. The North Vietnamese had resisted hours of air support and artillery fire and was expected to overwhelm Company C, unless they were relieved. Company C's ammunition was running low, and was not mobile due to numerous casualties. A lack of landing zones precluded relief or retreat. Troop A made a 4 km march through difficult jungle terrain to mount a direct assault into the fortified North Vietnamese Army position. Outnumbered three to one, Troop A's attack placed them into close range of the concealed defenders. Despite sustained small-arms, rocket-propelled grenade, and recoilless rifle fire, Troop A rendered the North Vietnamese Army unit combat ineffective. At dusk, following the assault, Troop A executed a night march to evacuate the dead and wounded. |
| VO-67 | U.S. Navy | 2007 | Vietnam War | For extraordinary heroism and outstanding performance of duty in action against enemy forces in the Republic of Vietnam from 15 November 1967 to 2 July 1968. Throughout this period, Observation Squadron SIXTY-SEVEN (VO-67), operating in the Republic of Vietnam, successfully executed its primary mission of providing quick reaction, close air support, and combat logistics support for United States and Vietnamese military forces. In the face of extremely harsh climatic conditions at a remote operating base, while sustaining extensive operating damage and losses, the flight crews and ground support personnel of VO-67 carried out their highly important and extremely sensitive missions with outstanding skill and dedication. The Squadron flew countless missions implanting newly developed sensors to detect enemy movement. The support provided by VO-67 was instrumental in supplying real-time intelligence regarding the movement of North Vietnamese troops and supplies, which enabled U.S. Forces to prevent the total invasion of the U.S. Marine Combat Base at Khe Sanh during the Tet Offensive and contributed to saving countless lives. The squadron's operations were consistently characterized by prudent tactics while maintaining meticulous adherence to the rules of engagement, ensuring maximum deterrence of the enemy with minimum risk to friendly troops and civilians. VO-67' s successful initiation of this new mission provided a significant and vital contribution to the art of warfare. By their outstanding courage, resourcefulness, and aggressive fighting spirit in combat against a frequently well-equipped, well-trained, and often numerically superior enemy, the officers and enlisted personnel of Observation Squadron SIXTY-SEVEN reflected great credit upon themselves and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. |
| USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) | U.S. Navy | 1969 | Vietnam War | 9 January 1969: The Presidential Unit Citation, covering 23 December 1967–1 June 1968, was awarded to the U.S.S. Kitty Hawk and Carrier Air Wing Eleven (CVW-11) for their exceptional performance during the fierce fighting of the enemy’s Tet Offensive, in part noting that they “succeeded in inflicting extensive damage and destruction to sites and installations vital to the enemy’s operations.” ADM Hyland noted during the award ceremony: “The ship is recognized in professional circles as having been on Yankee Station during the toughest part of the war and against the most heavily defended area in the world.” Kitty Hawk launched 185 major strikes, 150 of them against northern North Vietnam, hitting the Hanoi and Haiphong areas 65 times. Due to fluid enemy tactics additional emphasis was placed upon “lucrative targets of a fleeting nature.” |
| USS Bon Homme Richard (CVA-31) and Carrier Air Wing Twenty One | U.S. Navy | 1972 | Vietnam War | 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 USS BON HOMME RICHARD (CVA-31) and ATTACK CARRIER AIR WING TWENTY-ONE For extraordinary heroism and outstanding performance of duty in Action against enemy forces in Southeast Asia from 26 February to 30 July 1967, in support of United States national policy. During this period of intensive combat operations, BON HOMME RICHARD aircraft carried out numerous day and night strikes against a wide variety of targets in North Vietnam and succeeded in inflicting extensive damage to these targets. BON HOMME RICHARD and her embarked Air Wing continuously overcame determined enemy defenses and hazardous weather conditions to project aggressive, effective naval air power against the enemy. All assigned tasks were accomplished expeditiously and contributed significantly to the combat air effort of the United States in Southeast Asia. The courage, professional competence, and devotion to duty displayed by the officers and men of BON HOMME RICHARD and her embarked Attack Carrier Air Wing TWENTY-ONE reflected great credit upon them selves and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. Signed Richard M Nixon |
| USS Midway (CV-41) and Carrier Air Wing Five (CVW-5) | U.S. Navy | 1973 | Vietnam War | The Presidential Unit Citation was awarded to USS Midway and its Carrier Air Wing Five "For extraordinary heroism and outstanding performance of duty in action against enemy forces in Southeast Asia from 30 April 1972 to 9 February 1973. During this crucial period of the Vietnam conflict, USS MIDWAY and embarked Attack CarrierAirWing FIVE carried out devastating aerial attacks against enemy installations, transportation, and lines of communications in the face of extremely heavy opposition including multi-calibre antiaircraft artillery fire and surface-to-air missiles. Displaying superb airmanship and unwavering courage, MIDWAY/CVW-5 pilots played a significant role in lifting the prolonged sieges at An Loc, Kontum, and Quang Tri and in carrying out the concentrated aerial strikes against the enemy's industrial heartland which eventually resulted in a cease -fire." |
| MACV | U.S. Army | 1971 | Tet Offensive | Only Advisor/Liaison Personnel attached to the 3d Armored Cavalry Squadron, Army of the Republic of Vietnam from 1 January 1968 to 30 September 1968. (DAGO 1971-24) |
| MACV-SOG | Various units | April 4, 2001 | Vietnam War | The Studies and Observation Group is cited for extraordinary heroism, great combat achievement and unwavering fidelity while executing unheralded top secret missions deep behind enemy lines across Southeast Asia. Military Assistance Command, Vietnam – Studies and Observations Group and specific assigned or attached units from 24 January 1964 to 30 April 1972. (DAGO-2001-25) U.S. Navy: Naval Advisory Detachment, Danang, Republic of Vietnam; One U.S. Navy EC-121 Aircraft and Crew based at Saigon, Republic of Vietnam U.S. Marine Corps: assigned individually to Studies and Observation Group staffs U.S. Air Force: 1st Flight Detachment, Nha Trang, Republic of Vietnam, 24 January 1964 to 31 December 1971 Joint Service: Headquarters, Military Assistance Command, Vietnam – Studies and Observation Group, Saigon, Republic of Vietnam South Vietnamese Air Force: 219th Helicopter Squadron, Danang, Republic of Vietnam |
| 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry, Army | U.S. Army | 1969 | Ben Cui | 18 August 1968 to 20 September 1968 |
| 9th Marines | U.S. Marine Corps | Operation Dewey Canyon | 2 January 1969 to 18 March 1969 Army PUC | |
| 26th Marines | U.S. Marine Corps | 20 January to 1 April 1968 | ||
| 1st Mobile Communications Group | U.S. Air Force | 1969 | Vietnam War | 1 January 1967 to 15 February 1968 |
| D Company, 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment | Australian Army | 1968 | Battle of Long Tan | 18 August 1966 - 19 August 1966 |
| 17 SOS | U.S. Air Force | 1969 | Vietnam War | 1–30 June 1969 Combat in Southeast Asia, 1 June 1969–30 September 1971. |
| 834th Air Division | U.S. Air Force | 1969 | Battle for Khe Sahn | 483rd Tactical Airlift Wing, 535th Tactical Airlift Squadron (C-7A Caribou) received the Navy Presidential Unit Citation and the Air Force Presidential Unit Citation for airlift support of Khe Sanh and other forward bases from January to May 1968. |
| 834th Air Division | U.S. Air Force | 1971 | Battle for Dak Seang | 483rd Tactical Airlift Wing, 535th Tactical Airlift Squadron (C-7A Caribou) received the Air Force Presidential Unit Citation, Special Order GB-613 dated 3 September 1971, for extraordinary gallantry from 1 April 1970 to 30 June 1970 for participation in aerial resupply of the besieged Special Forces Camp at Deak Seang. Nearly all C-7A Caribou's sustained battle damage during this time. Six, 6, C-7A Caribou's and fifteen, 15, airmen were lost during this time due to extreme enemy fire. This amounts to almost one-half of C-7A Caribou losses since the U.S. Air Force took over the C-7A Caribou mission from the U.S. Army in 1967. The primary mission for C-7A Caribou's was to support Special Forces and Special Operations Group missions and bases located throughout South Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. |
| 3rd Marine Division | U.S. Marine Corps | 8 March 65-15 September 67 | Vietnam War | For extraordinary heroism and outstanding performance of duty in action against the North Vietnamese Army and Viet Cong forces in the Republic of Vietnam from 8 March 1965 to 15 September 1967. Throughout this period, the Third Marine Division (Reinforced), operating in the five northermost provinces of the Republic of Vietnam, successfully executed its three-fold mission of occupying and defending key terrain, seeking out and destroying the enemy, and conducting an intensive pacification program. Operating in an area bordered by over 200 miles of South China Sea coastline, the mountainous Laotian border and the Demilitarized Zone, the Third Marine Division (Reinforced) successfully executed eighty major combat operations, carrying the battle to the enemy, destroying many of his forces, and capturing thousands of tons of weapons and material. In addition to these major operations, more than 125,000 offensive counterguerrilla actions, ranging from squad patrols and ambushes to company-sizes search and destroy operations, were conducted in both the coastal rice lands and the mountainous jungle inland. These bitterly contested actions routed the enemy from his well-entrenched positions, denied him access to his source of food, restricted his freedom of movement, and removed his influence from the heavily populated areas. In numerous operations, the Third marine Division (Reinforced) demonstrated the great efficacy of combined operations with units of the Army of the Republic of Vietnam. In July 1966, the Third marine Division (Reinforced) moved to the north to counter major elements of the North Vietnamese Army moving across the Demilitarized Zone into the Province of Quang Tri; its units fought a series of savage battles against the enemy, repeatedly distinguishing themselves and, time and again, forcing the enemy to retreat across the Demilitarized Zone. Imbued with an unrelenting combat spirit and initiative and undeterred by heavy hostile artillery and mortar fire, extremely difficult terrain, incessant heat and monsoon rains, the Third marine Division (Reinforced), employing courageous ground, heliborne and amphibious assaults, complemented by intense and accurate air, artillery and naval gunfire support, inflicted great losses on the enemy and denied him the political and militart victory he sought to achieve at any cost. The outstanding courage, resourcefulness and aggressive fighting spirit of the officers and men of the Third marine Division (Reinforced) in battle after battle againsta well-equipped and well-trained enemy, often numerically superior in strength, and the great humanitarianism constantly shown to the people of the Republic of Vietnam, reflected great credit upon the Marine Corps and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. |
| 1st Marine Division | U.S. Marine Corps | 29 March 65-15 September 67 | Vietnam War | |
| 1st Marine Aircraft Wing | U.S. Marine Corps | 1968 | Vietnam War | For extraordinary heroism and outstanding performance of duty in action against the North Vietnamese Army and Viet Gong forces in the Republic of Vietnam, from 11 May 1965 to 15 September 1967. Throughout this period, the First Marine Aircraft Wing, operating in I and II Corps tactical -zones of the Republic of Vietnam, North Vietnam, and adjacent waters, sought out and destroyed determined enemy forces and provided combat air support to ground forces of the Free World and the Republic of Vietnam. Participating in 195 major operations, and thousands of other attacks, the Wing continuously and aggressively carried the battle to the elusive enemy in bitterly contested actions. Operations such as DOUBLE EAGLE, HARVEST MOON, STARLITE, HASTINGS, PRAIRIE, UNION, HICKORY, COCHISE, AND SWIFT, reflect the high degree of superior airmanship, valor, devotion to duty and professionalism exhibited by personnel of the Wing. Although heavily committed to increased combat operations, the Wing developed and successfully employed new weapons, tactics, and procedures against the hard-core communist forces with gratifying results. Through the aggressive actions of the Wing, military and political victories were denied the insurgent communist forces, thereby providing a more stable atmosphere for the legally constituted Government of the Republic of Vietnam. The establishment, and logistical support of many separate airfields throughout the I Corps tactical zone and the vital air supply support provided the III Marine Amphibious Force and its allied ground forces, was a tribute to the resourcefulness and determination of the Wing. This dependable support was provided under the most trying and difficult combat conditions. Flying in fair weather and foul, against a fanatical, well-armed enemy, the uncommon courage and intrepidity of the Marine pilots and supporting Wing personnel, acting in a concerted team effort, contributed to another glorious chapter in an already illustrious history. The valor, devotion to duty, aggressive spirit, professionalism, and ingenuity of the entire First Marine Aircraft Wing in battle against a well trained, dangerous, and determined enemy, reflected the highest degree of heroism and exemplary performance, and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. |
| 5th Marine Regiment | U.S. Marine Corps | 25 April-5 June 67 | Vietnam War | |
| 1st Marine Regiment | U.S. Marine Corps | 31 January-2 March 68 | Vietnam War | |
| 1st Marine Division | U.S. Marine Corps | 16 September 67-31 October 68 | Vietnam War | |
| Seal Team One | U.S. Navy | 11 November 1968 | Vietnam | |
| 1st Marine Regiment | U.S. Marine Corps | 20 November-31 December 68 | Vietnam War | |
| CAP Program, III MAF | U.S. Marine Corps | 1 January-31 December 68 | Vietnam War | |
| Seal Team Two | U.S. Navy | 1970 | Vietnam | |
| Operation Sealords | Various units | 1968–1972 | Vietnam War | |
| Operation Swift raiders | Various units | 6 December 1968-31 March 1969 | Vietnam War | |
| MOBILE RIVERINE FORCE (TASK FORCE 117) | U.S. Navy | 29 January to 4 March 1968 | Vietnam War | For exceptionally meritorious and heroic service from 29 January to 4 March 1968 while engaged in armed conflict against communist insurgent (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. Throughout the Tet (Lunar New Year) Offensive, the Mobile Riverine Force (MRF) was locked in nearly continuous combat as the enemy lay siege to or threatened to attack every large population center and military installation in the Delta. During this hectic, 35-day campaign, the MRF played a vital role in driving the enemy out of My Tho and Vinh Long, the most severely ravaged of all the Delta cities, and in preventing enemy forces from launching sustained attacks on Can Tho, Binh Thuy, Sa Dec, Cai Be, Cai Lay, the Army Base at Dong Tam, and many other less-populated areas. In every battle, MRF personnel, both individually and collectively, although often matched against forces of much greater size than their own, displayed outstanding courage and professionalism in subduing the Viet Cong challenge. Navy crewmen embarked in Monitors, Command and Communication Boats, Assault Support Patrol Boats, and Armored Troop Carriers were frequently ambushed at point-blank range from concealed positions along both banks of the narrow, jungle-enshrouded Delta streams. In each instance, they succeeded in suppressing the enemy fire before maneuvering their assault craft out of ambush areas. Together, the MRF Army/Navy team successfully met the challenge posed by the Tet Offensive, probably saving the Delta from being overrun by insurgent forces. The gallantry, professionalism, courage under fire, and devotion to duty displayed by the officers and men of the United States Navy Element of the Mobile Riverine Force were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. |
| COMMANDER TASK GROUP 194.0 (Units Participating in Operation SEA LORDS) | U.S. Navy | 18 October to 5 December 1968 | Vietnam War | For extraordinary heroism and outstanding performance of duty from 18 October to 5 December 1968 while engaged in armed conflict against enemy forces in the Republic of Vietnam. Commander Task Group 194.0 initiated and prosecuted the first of several interdiction campaigns to sever enemy lines of communication and resupply and to establish the legal government in areas previously held by the enemy. The naval units engaged in Operation SEA LORDS consistently displayed the striking power and professionalism which were to mark this and following campaigns. Tasked with routing a myriad of enemy forces from their previous sanctuaries, personnel of Commander Task Group 194.0 ventured courageously into little-known canals and back-water areas, fighting valiantly through countless intense enemy rocket and automatic weapons attacks. The naval units, through their persistent and aggressive strikes against enemy strongholds, were eminently successful in their campaign to interdict enemy resupply routes and base areas throughout the lower Mekong Delta region. The courage, professionalism, and dedication displayed by the officers and men of Commander Task Group 194.0 reflected credit upon themselves and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. |
| COMMANDER TASK GROUP 194.9 (Units Participating in Operation GIANT SLINGSHOT) | U.S. Navy | 6 December 1968 to 31 March 1969 | Vietnam War | For extraordinary heroism and outstanding performance of duty from 6 December 1968 to 31 March 1969 while engaged in armed conflict against enemy forces in the Republic of Vietnam. Commander Task Group 194.9 initiated and prosecuted a determined interdiction offensive against the ingress of enemy personnel and war material from Southeast Cambodia into the upper Mekong Delta region of the Republic of Vietnam. The naval units engaged in Operation GIANT SLINGSHOT, including the Riverine Warfare and River Patrol Forces who supplied support, consistently distinguished themselves by their countless deeds of valiant service while carrying out patrols along the narrow, enemy-infested Vam Co, Vam Co Dong, and Vam Co Tay Rivers. Operating with limited logistic support under austere and dangerous conditions, personnel of Commander Task Group 194.9 countered intense rocket and automatic weapons barrages at point-blank range with unshakable determination. As a result of their intrepidity and resolution, the enemy threat was significantly diminished and vital routes of resupply were severed. The quantity of captured enemy war material reached staggering proportions, and the ever-increasing number of enemy casualties attested to the effectiveness of ingeniously developed individual and group offensive tactics. The selfless dedication and inspiring professional performance of the officers and men of Commander Task Group 194.9 reflected credit upon themselves and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. |
| MOBILE RIVERINE FORCE (TASK FORCE 117) | U.S. Navy | 25 January through 5 July 1969 | Vietnam War | 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. |
| RUNG SAT SPECIAL ZONE RIVER PATROL GROUP | U.S. Navy | 24 June 1969 to 28 February 1970 | Vietnam War | For extraordinary heroism and outstanding performance of duty in action against an armed enemy in the Republic of Vietnam from 24 June 1969 to 28 February 1970. During this period, the Rung Sat Special Zone River Patrol Group operated throughout the 405-square-mile maze of rivers, canals, waterways and mangrove swamps of the Rung Sat Special Zone and on the upper Saigon River. When enemy sappers mounted an aggressive offensive against free-world merchant shipping in late spring of 1969, the Rung Sat Special Zone River Patrol Group, in conjunction with South Vietnamese forces, commenced a unique, unrelenting campaign of combined counter-offensive operations. Over two-hundred successful combined operations with United States Army, Air Force and South Vietnamese ground, air and waterborne units were conducted, which routed the enemy from his sanctuaries, denied him access to his source of food, restricted his freedom of movement, and established security for the safe passage of 4,800 free-world merchant ships on the vital Long Tau shipping channel to Saigon. Concurrent with operations in the Rung Sat Special Zone, the task group demonstrated great flexibility and response by initiating counter-offensive operations against threatening enemy forces on the upper Saigon River. Despite extremely limited support facilities, incessant heat, and torrential monsoon rains, units of the task force fought a series of savage battles, repeatedly distinguishing themselves, and inflicted great losses on the enemy, denying him further use of a major infiltration route threatening the city of Saigon. The outstanding courage, resourcefulness, and perseverance displayed by the officers and men of the Rung Sat Special Zone River Patrol Group were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. |
| 2D Brigade, 9th Infantry Division, United States Army, composed of: Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2d Brigade 3d Battalion, 47th Infantry, 3d Battalion, 60th Infantry, Company C, 4th Battalion, 47th Infantry, 3d Battalion, 34th Artillery | U.S. Army | 29 January to 4 March 1968 | Vietnam War | The foregoing assigned units of the 2d Brigade, 9th Infantry Division, United States Army component of the Mobile Riverine Force, distinguished themselves by displaying extraordinary heroism in action against an armed hostile force during the Tet Offensive and immediately thereafter from 29 January to 4 March 1968 in the Mekong Delta, Republic of Vietnam. Although the enemy possessed many tactical advantages due to an intimate knowledge of the area and detailed long range planning, his offensive was shattered within 5 weeks of its inception. In the Provincial capital of My Tho, 2d Brigade soldiers fought in a crowded city, an unfamiliar environment for infantry who were trained to fight primarily in a riverine environment. After restoring the security of the western sector of the city, the riverine forces commenced successive operations against enemy movements. At Cai Lai, they disrupted enemy attempts at regrouping. Strikes in and around Vinh Long and My Tho collapsed maturing enemy offensives which threatened these two key cities. Finally the riverine forces moved to the relief of the city of Can Tho, where, in 3 weeks of virtually continuous combat, the heaviest enemy attack of the entire Delta offensive was broken. The 2d Brigade engaged the enemy wherever he could be found and inflicted heavy casualties. The achievements of the riverine forces in turning back the enemy offensive represent a key factor in the operations that saved the Delta. The aggressiveness, determination, and exemplary courage under fire demonstrated by all members of the United States Army component are in the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon the 2d Brigade, 9th Infantry Division, the Mobile Riverine Force, and the United States Army. |
| 1st Brigade, 9th Infantry Division, composed of: Headquarter and Headquarters Company 2nd Battalion, 39th Infantry-2nd Battalion 60th Infantry, and Attached Units: Company A, 15th Engineer Battalion-1st Battalion, 11th Artillery | U.S. Army | 7 March 1968 to 22 June 1968 | Vietnam War | The 1st Brigade, 9th Infantry Division, and attached units distinguished themselves by extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against hostile forces in the Republic of Vietnam during the period 7 March 1968 to 22 June 1968. The 1st Brigade, 9th Infantry Division with attached units reopened and secured Highway 4, the vital link between the Mekong Delta and Saigon, in Dinh Tuong Province and conducted operations against main-force units operating in the area adjacent to Highway 4. In a series of operations, the 1st Brigade, with Company A, 15th Engineer Battalion (Attached) and the 1st Battalion, 11th Artillery in direct support, located and engaged superior enemy forces in some of the most difficult terrain in Vietnam. The swift, decisive and fierce actions of the maneuver and supporting elements annihilated three well equipped and well trained enemy battalions. The 1st Brigade succeeded in driving the Viet Cong from their traditional base areas in central Dinh Tuong Province. During these actions, 629 Viet Cong were killed and 144 captured along with 184 individual and crew served weapons captured and destroyed. The 1st Brigade's success in reopening Highway 4 restored use of this vital communications link to the Vietnamese populace. By their determined display of initiative, professional skill and extraordinary courage, which was in the highest traditions of the military service, the men of the 1st Brigade, 9th Infantry Division and attached units reflected the utmost credit upon themselves, the 9th Infantry Division and the United States Army. |
Read more about this topic: Presidential Unit Citation (United States), Recipients
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“No event in American history is more misunderstood than the Vietnam War. It was misreported then, and it is misremembered now.”
—Richard M. Nixon (b. 1913)