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