By virtue of the authority vested in me as President of the United States and as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the United States, I have today awarded

THE PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION (NAVY)

FOR EXTRAORDINARY HEROISM TO

FIRST MARINE REGIMENT (REINFORCED),
FIRST MARINE DIVISION (REINFORCED),
FLEET MARINE FORCE

For exceptionally meritorious and heroic achievement during the period 20 November to 9 December 1968 in connection with operations against enemy forces in Quang Nam Province, Republic of Vietnam. Participating in Operation MEADE RIVER, a combined operation in support of the Government of Vietnam's Accelerated Pacification Campaign, the First Marine Regiment (Reinforced) skillfully utilized foot and motor transportation, along with the largest helicopter lift in Marine Corps history, to successfully emplace a cordon around an eleven-square-mile area from which the civilian populace was evacuated fro screening by province and district agencies. Following the establishment of the virtually impenetrable cordon, the Marines commenced to fan out from their positions along the eastern edge of the encirclement to conduct a systematic sweep and search operation in order to ferret out the entrapped enemy. For the next several days, the First Marine Regiment (Reinforced) relentlessly pressed the attack in a series of intense and fierce engagements against an extremely stubborn foe, resulting i a resounding victory for the friendly forces and extrensive enemy losses in personnel, supplies and equipment. By their superb professionalism, valiant fighting spirit, and unflagging devotion to duty throughout Operation MEADE RIVER. the officers and men of the First Marine Regiment (Reinforced) made a significant contribution to the United States efforts in Southeast Asia and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.


Signed/ Richard Nixon





The Officers and men of Company A & Company C, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines were attached to the 1st Marine Regiment (Reinforced) and participated in Operation MEADE RIVER 1 - 9 December 1968. The Officers and men of BLT 2/7 were attached to the 1st Marine Regiment (Reinforced) and participated in OPERATION MEADE RIVER 1 - 4 December 1968.

All personnel attached to the 1st Marine Regiment (Reinforced) are hereby authorized to wear the PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION Ribbon.