| |
Presidential Unit Citation
Authorized by Executive Order 9050 on February 6, 1942, this is
awarded by the Secretary of the Navy in the name of the President, to any ship, aircraft,
or naval unit, or any Marine Corps aircraft, detachment, or higher unit for outstanding
performance in action against an armed enemy of the United States on or after December 7,
1941. Although created as a combat award, there have been two non-combat awards
authorized. To the USS NAUTILUS (SSN-571) for the first cruise of a nuclear submarine,
July 22 to August 5, 1958; and to the USS TRITON (SSN-586) for the submerged
circumnavigation of the world, February 16 to May 10, 1960.
The PUC was awarded to at least two units in which Don
participated:
1. Task Group 194.9 (Navy Support) - 06 Dec 68 to 31
Mar 69 and River Assault Division 111 - 17 Mar 69 to 31 Mar 69 - Citation follows:
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
COMMANDER TASK GROUP 194.9
(Units Participating in Operation GIANT SLINGSHOT)
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 Carnbodia
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 unshakeable 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.
Signed: Richard Nixon
2. Task Force 117 - 25 Jan 69 to 05 Jul 69 - Citation
follows:
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.
Signed: Richard Nixon
The descriptive text for this award was excerpted
from "American Medals and Decorations" by Evans Kerrigan. (Quintet Publishing
Limited, Mallard Press, New York, N.Y., 1990, ISBN 0-792-45082-5) with special thanks to
the Naval Helicopter Association
for publishing this information on the web.
|
