THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY
WASHINGTON
The Secretary of the Navy takes pleasure in commending
RIVER ASSAULT FLOTILLA ONE
CITATION:
For exceptionally meritorious service from 19 June 1967 through 16 January 1968 while operating with friendly forces engaged in armed conflict against communist aggressor (Viet Cong) forces in the Mekong Delta region of the Republic of Vietnam during Operations CORONADO I through IX. 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, communication, and gunfire support to troops of the United States Army's 9th Infantry Division and to the 5th Vietnamese Marine Corps Battalion which were conducting riverine assault operations. In so doing, a new concept of modern warfare in a counter-aggressor environment came into being and proved to be remarkably effective. As the only American strike force in the entire region, the Mobile Riverine Force vigorously pursued the Viet Cong along nearly every river, stream, and canal in the central Delta area, particularly in his known base sanctuaries. The assault boats of River Assault Flotilla ONE were the targets of repeated ambushes, many at nearly point-blank range, while traversing the narrow, heavily vegetated waterways, but flotilla crewman responded on every occasion with unyielding courage and intrepid valor to suppress the enemy's attacks. The CORONADO operations were directly responsible for depriving the Viet Cong of sole possession of hundreds of waterways they had dominated for more than a decade, for significantly reducing the combat effectiveness of the Viet Cong fighting forces, and for returning to the Vietnamese civilian his freedom of movement throughout much of the Delta. By their gallantry in the face of enemy opposition, their dedicated zeal on behalf of a beleaguered people, and their superlative performance as individuals and as a team, the officers and men of River Assault Flotilla ONE upheld 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.
(Signed) John H. Chafee
Secretary of the Navy
THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY
WASHINGTON
The Secretary of the Navy takes pleasure in presenting
NAVY UNIT COMMENDATION
to UNITED STATES NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY, SAIGON
for service as set forth in the following
CITATION:
For exceptionally meritorious service from 16 March 1966 to 30 April 1972, in providing logistic support to U. S. Navy, U. S. Coast Guard, and Free World Naval Forces in Military Regions ONE, TWO, THREE and FOUR, Republic of Vietnam. During this period, United States Naval Support Activity, Saigon was tasked with requirements to overhaul and repair craft and equipment; provide administrative personnel, accounting, health, and welfare services; and provide logistical and fiscal support in matters of weapons, ammunition, base defense, port services, air and surface transportation, and operational publications. Concurrently, programs were initiated to build Riverine Warfare (GAME WARDEN) support bases, develop and expand the Coastal Surveillance (MARKET TIME) and Harbor Defense support bases, develop support for the Mobile Riverine Force concept, and establish policies and procedures for the full range of logistic support. Despite an adverse and often hostile environment, and with a continual shortage of personnel and equipment, United States Naval Support Activity, Saigon provided these necessary support functions to the U. S. Navy and Coast Guard forces operating in all areas of the Republic of Vietnam. In planning, coordinating and supporting United States Naval Forces efforts in the Vietnamization Program which required an expeditious turnover of United States Navy assets to the Vietnamese Navy, United States Naval Support Activity, Saigon executed a carefully planned integration of United States and Vietnamese personnel and assets into a truly Vietnamese military effort with American advisors. The superlative performance of duty by the personnel of United States Naval Forces Activity, Saigon reflects great credit upon themselves and the United States Naval Service.
Secretary of the Navy
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