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Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation
Authorized by SECNAVNOTE 1650, on July 17, 1967, and awarded by
the Secretary to any unit of the US Navy or Marine Corps which distinguished itself by
either valorous or meritorious achievement considered outstanding when compared to other
units performing similar service, but not sufficient to justify award of the Navy Unit
Commendation. Awarded for combat or non-combat services.
The MUC was awarded to at least one unit in which Don participated:
Riverine Strike Group 194.7 (River Assault Squadron 15) -
25 Aug 69 to 16 Nov 69 - Citation follows:
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
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.
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