THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY

WASHINGTON

The Secretary of the Navy takes pleasure in commending the

TASK FORCE YANKEE

for service as set forth in the following:

CITATION:

For exceptionally meritorious service from 7 December 1968 to 8 March 1969 while participating in Operation TAYLOR COMMON in Quang Nam Province, Republic of Vietnam. During this period, Task Force Yankee successfully executed a three-flod mission to destroy enemy forces, caches, and installations in the area of operations. An additional mission was to prepare a complex of fire support and combat operation bases to support extended operations along avenues of approach to enemy Base Area 112 from the Laotian border. This densely vegetated area was vital to the enemy as a logistic base to support their operations in Quang Nam Province and also served as a major enemy supply route and line of communication. The impact of Operation TAYLOR COMMON could be measured in both tangible and intangible terms. Materially, Task Force Yankee inflicted more than 2,100 casualties upon the enemy and captured large quantities of food, weapons, and medical equipment. On the intangible side, the task force invaded and destroyed the inviolability of enemy Base Area 112, neutralizing it for enemy combat support and service support activity. The task force also disrupted enemy supply/communication/liaison routes and created the omnipresent threat of instant return to any combination of positions throughout the network of fire support bases. The outstanding courage, resourcefulness, and aggressive fighting spirit of the officers and men comprising Task Force Yankee reflected great credit upon themselves and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.

Signed/JOHN H. CHAFEE


Secretary of the Navy