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 5 March 1968
through 24 January 1969 while operating with friendly foreign forces en-
gaged in armed conflict against communist aggressor forces in the Mekong
Delta region of the Republic of Vietnam. 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, communica-
tion, and gunfire support to troops of the United States Army’s 9th Infantry
Division, the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Vietnamese Marine Corps Battalions, and
the 9th and 21st Divisions of the Army of the Republic of Vietnam during
riverine assault operations which were part of a concerted offensive cam-
paign into communist-dominated rural areas. Ambushes and firefights on
the rivers and narrow canals were almost daily occurrences; and rocket
and mining attacks were frequent and ever-present dangers. The multiple
operations of River Assault Flotilla ONE during this period were directly
responsible for weakening the hold of the Viet Cong and their North Viet-
namese cohorts on the Delta, for depriving them of sole possession of
hundreds of waterways, and for ensuring freedom of movement for Viet-
namese civilians throughout much of the Delta. In the kind of close combat
action which requires exceptional courage, enterprise, and patience, the
officers and men of River Assault Flotilla ONE consistently exhibited these
qualities. Their gallantry in the face of continuous enemy opposition, and
their superlative performance as individuals and as a team, were in keep-
ing with 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.
J Warner
Secretary of the Navy
(Acting)