DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY

HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
WASHINGTON. D.C. 20380



The Secretary of the Navy takes pleasure in presenting the MERITORIOUS
UNIT COMMENDATION to:

7TH MARINE REGIMENT (REINFORCED)
FIRST MARINE DIVISION (REINFORCED)
FLEET MARINE FORCE, PACIFIC

for service as set forth in the following:

CITATION:

For meritorious service in action against North Vietnamese Army and insurgent Viet Cong forces during Operations ALLEN BROOK and MAMELUKE THRUST in Quang Nam Province, Republic of Vietnam, from 4 May to 6 July 1968. Displaying aggressive, tenacious tactics, the Seventh Marine Regiment (Reinforced) found, fixed, and severely mauled the 36th Regiment, 308th Division of the North Vietnamese Army, and various Viet Cong Force units preparing to initiate offensive operations in the Danang and Thuong Duc areas of Quang Nam Province. The demoralizing losses inflicted on the enemy included 1080 killed in action, 14 prisoners of war, significant quantities of weapons and supplies captured, and numerous prepared positions destroyed. By their effective teamwork, aggressive fighting spirit, determination, and individual acts of valor and courage, the gallant officers and men of the Seventh Marine Regiment (Reinforced) not only preempted the enemy offensive against Danang and the Special Forces camp at Thuong Duc, but also decimated a fresh, combat-ready North Vietnamese Army regiment with the concomitant destruction of irreplaceable Viet Cong Main Force units in Quang Nam Province. As a direct result of the achievements of the Seventh Marine Regiment (Reinforced), the enemy was unable to seriously threaten Free World Military Assistance Forces or installations for the remainder of 1968. The Seventh Marines' exemplary courage, devotion to duty, and performance in the face of a determined enemy resistance were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.


For the Secretary of the Navy,

Signed/LEONARD F. CHAPMAN
Commandant of the Marine Corps