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 performances 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 oper-
ations, 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 Mobile Riverine Bases were an ever-
present danger. The courage and determination of Task Force 117 person-
nel 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.
Richard Nixon