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




The Officers and men of BLT 2/7 were under the OPCON (Operational Control) of the 9th MEB and attached to the 5th Marine Regiment participating in OPERATION MAMELUKE THRUST 17 - 21 August 1968.

All personnel attached to the 5th Marine Regiment are hereby authorized to wear the MERITORIOUS UNIT COMMENDATION Ribbon.