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