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:
5TH 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 aggressive communist (Viet Cong and North Vietnamese Army)
forces in the Republic of Vietnam during OPERATION MAMELUKE THRUST conducted from 23 July to 23 October
1968. Tasked with the mission of conducting offensive operations to seek and destroy or capture enemy forces,
weapons, materiel, and fortifications, the Fifth Marine Regiment (Reinforced) engaged highly trained, well-equipped
elements of a North Vietnamese regiment and a separate force, and local force Viet Cong units. The early stages of
the operation were characterized by heavy contact which later decreased to the extent of encounters with enemy
units of platoon size or smaller. The Fifth Marine Regiment (Reinforced) displayed outstanding professional knowledge
in the use of supporting arms and night battalion-sized tactical moves catching the enemy off guard on numerous
occasions. Operation MAMELUKE THRUST accounted for large confirmed losses of enemy personnel and the capture
of numerous individual and crew-served weapons, equipment, and over 144 tons of rice. The officers and men of the
Fifth Marines (Reinforced) faced infinitely complex tactical considerations with a dedicated professional attitude
which resulted in a highly successful operation. Their competence, courage and determination 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