CITATION:
For exceptionally meritorious service during operations against enemy forces in the Republic
of Vietnam from 3 March 1970 to 24 March 1971. Throughout this period, the First Battalion, Fifth Marines
was eminently successful in carrying out combat operations, defeating the enemy in every engagement.
With the Battalion utilizing the powerful Marine Air/Ground Team to its maximum throughout the First
Marine Divison's Tactical Area of Responsibility, the enemy was denied movement routes and harbor
sites, and was engaged wherever found. On one occaison, the First Battalion, Fifty Marines launched
an aggressive attack in a sector of the Que Son Mountains harboring the Quang Da Special Zone, the
district headquarters of all Viet Cong units operation within Quang Nam Province. The enemy fled,
leaving behind his entires files and records and a rice cache of 55,000 pounds. By their aggressive
fighting spirit and countless acts of heroism, the officers and men of the First Battalion, Fifth Marine
Regiment dealt a serious blow to the entire enemy effort throughout this period, therby reflecting great
credit upon themselves, the Marine Corps, and the United States Naval Service.
Signed/JOHN W. WARNER
Secretary of the Navy
