THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY

WASHINGTON



The Secretary of the Navy takes pleasure in presenting the
NAVY UNIT COMMENDATION to the:

7TH REGIMENTAL LANDING TEAM

for service as set forth in the following:

CITATION:

For outstanding heroism in action against enemy Viet Cong forces during the assault and seizure of the Van Tuong Peninsula, Vietnam from 18 to 23 August 1965. Acting on the basis of intelligence information that a 2000 man Main Force Viet Cong Regiment was located in the Van Tuong Peninsula, Vietnam, and was preparing to attack the Chu Lai airfield, the 7th Regimental Landing Team was ordered to assault the enemy force within ninety-six hours. In this short period of time, the 7th Regimental Landing Team completed planning to solve the complex problem of coordinating air, sea, and ground elements in an envelopment of the enemy in an area opening only into the South China Sea. Conducting an overland movement with a combined amphibious and helicopter landing under mortar, machine gun, small-arms, and recoilless rifle fire, the 7th Regimental Landing Team, supported by Naval gunfire and Marine aircraft, attacked the hedgerows and slopes of the objectives and by evening had compressed the enemy into a pocket against the sea. Continuing their attack during the ensuing days, the force fought it's way forward through a maze of caves, tunnels and fortified localities and over rugged jungle terrain to secure the peninsula. In so doing, the attack thwarted an enemy assault on Chu Lai, freed the civilian population from the terror of the Viet Cong, and set an inspiring example for our own and allied forces. By their effective teamwork, aggressive fighting spirit and individual acts of heroism and daring, the men of the 7th Regimental Landing Team and supporting Marine aviation units not only achieved significant results but, in doing so, exemplified qualities of courage and skill which were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.


Signed/PAUL H. NITZE

SECRETARY OF THE NAVY