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 the:

FIRST PLATOON (-) ) REINFORCED
COMPANY D, FIRST BATTALION, SEVENTH MARINES
FIRST MARINE DIVISION (REINFORCED)

for service as set forth in the following:

CITATION:

For exceptionally meritorious service in action in the Republic of Vietnam on 20 December 1967. Two squad-sized ambush patrols from the First Platoon (-) (Reinforced), Company D were deployed in the vicinity of Phuoc Ninh (2) near the entrance to Happy Valley in Quang Nam Province when a force of 100 North Vietnamese and VIet Cong soldiers carrying large tubes was observed moving through the area. After notifying the platoon command post, one squad-sized patrol began moving to engage the enemy. Simultaneously, reaction forces were deployed from three directions to blocking positions to prevent the enemy's escape. The platoon commander and one squad from Company D moving into the area from the north joined the ambush patrol. Two squads from the east embarked aboard amphibian tractors from Hill 41. Advancing from the south another squad engaged the enemy en route. When all elements had reached the objective area, the platoon commander with five squads searched the area and, after advancing 400 meters, were attacked from three sides by the hostile force. Altlhough the enemy moved to within 30 meters of the platoon, the Marines steadfastly held their positions. A search of the battle area the following morning revealed numerous enemy casualties and many items of enemy equipment and weapons, including a loarge amount of rockert launching equipment and a complete 122mm rocker launcher, were captured. The seizure of the rocker launcher served to prevent the loss of lives and valuable government properties of the Free World Armed Forces, in addition to providing important intelligence information. The defeat of the numerically superior enemy force by the men of the First Platoon (-) (Reinforced), undoubtely saved the Danang vital area from a major attack. Their courage, aggressive fighting spirit and steadfast devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.

All personnel attached to and serving with the First Platoon (-) (Reinforced), Company D, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Marine Division (Reinforced) during the above period are hereby authorized to wear the MERITORIOUS UNIT COMMENDATION Ribbon.

For the Secretary of the Navy,

Signed/LEONARD F. CHAPMAN
Commandant of the Marine Corps