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:
COMPANY D, FIRST BATTALION, SEVENTH MARINES
FIRST MARINE DIVISION (REINFORCED), FLEET MARINE FORCE
for service as set forth in the following:
CITATION:
For meritorious service in action against Communist (North Vietnamese Army) forces during
a company-size reconnaissance in force in the Tuy La (2) area of Quang Nam Province, Republic of
Vietnam from 13 to 23 February 1969. Company D departed its temporary combat base at Liberty
Bridge on 13 February 1969 and proceeded toward its objective. Moving through extremely thick
jungle, the company halted at Giao Thuy (3), and after a brief rest pushed northeast along a dense
tree line. The Third Platoon, acting as point, encountered an enemy permanent base camp, taking
the enemy soldiers by surprise. Heavy contact immediately ensued and was maintained throughout
the remainder of the day with every platoon of Company D engaged in savage firefights. By dusk
the company had driven the enemy from his encampment and had gained complete control of the
area. Upon completion of this phase of the operation, Company D moved toward a known enemy
strong point located at Da Hoa An (4) where the First Platoon and three tanks engaged an enemy
force. Fiercely battling across 50 meters of open swampland, the Marines shattered and swept
through the fortified positions. By this time the company was physically exhausted because of the
long, extracting march, limited amounts of water, intensive heat, and ferocious fighting. Through
tactical employment of artillery, air strikes, and sporadic contact throughout the period, Company
D inflicted heavy casualties upon the enemy and captured such large quantities of weapons,
equipment, and ammunition that the North Vietnamese Army forces were completely disorganized
and thrown off balance. The officers and men exemplified the highest ideals of the Marine Corps
through their will to win against the odds and their aggressive determination to close with and
destroy the enemy. By this magnificent heroism, Company D upheld the finest 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