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

CHIEF OF NAVAL OPERATIONS

The Secretary of the Navy takes pleasure in presenting the

MERITORIOUS UNIT COMMENDATION to the

RIVERINE STRIKE GROUP
(TASK GROUP 194.7)

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

For meritorious achievement while participating in combat operations against enemy forces in the Mekong Delta region of the Republic of Vietnam, from 25 August to 16 November 1969. The Riverine Strike Group and its supporting elements distinguished themselves heroically by providing close naval gunfire support and logistic and communication support to troops of the 3rd Brigade, 9th Infantry Division, United States Army; the 46th Regiment, 25th Army of the Republic of Vietnam Division; units of the Vietnamese Marine Corps; and various companies of Vietnamese Regional and Popular Forces. In so doing, the Riverine Strike Group supported a concerted offensive campaign into enemy-infested rural areas of the Delta. Fire fights on the rivers and narrow canals were almost daily occurrences and rocket and mining attacks against the Mobile Riverine Bases were an ever-present danger. During these repeated combat actions against the enemy, the officers and men of the Riverine Strike Group exhibited exceptional courage, proficiency, and patience. Their operations were directly responsible for weakening the hold of the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese in the Mekong Delta and for depriving them of possession of hundreds of miles of waterways. The gallantry of the men of the Riverine Strike Group in the face of enemy fire and their zealous performance in offensive operations were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

For the Secretary,

E. R Zumwalt, Jr.
Admiral, United States Navy
Chief of Naval Operations

---

Back To The Navsource Photo Archives Main Page

Back To The Service Ship Photo Index

Back To The Non-Self-propelled Barracks Ship (APL) Photo Index

Back To The Self-propelled Barracks Ship (APB) Photo Index

Back To The Miscellaneous Unclassified (IX) Photo Index

Back To The Benewah (APB-35) Main page

Comments, Suggestions, E-mail Webmaster.

This page is created and maintained by Gary P. Priolo © 2005 Gary P. Priolo © 1996 - 2009 NavSource Naval History. All Rights Reserved.