for service as set forth in the following citation:

For meritorious service from 23 January to 31 March 1969 while engaged in armed conflict against aggressor forces in the Republic of Vietnam. During this period, the various elements engaged in Operation SEARCH TURN pressed an extremely daring and effective campaign against the ingression of communist personnel and war material from Cambodia into the lower Mekong Delta region. Operating under hazardous and austere conditions, these patrol and air-support units stalked the narrow, enemy infested canals of the Rach Gia/Rach Soi area in an unceasing effort to detect and destroy the enemy aggressors. Despite continual heavy fire at point-blank range, and although the toll of friendly casualties rose high, the fighting spirit and determined resolve of all units could not be destroyed. Ultimately, the enemy threat was quelled, a major route of communist resupply was severed, and pacification and Vietnamese resettlement commenced. The valiant professionalism, dedication, and courageous sacrifice in the face of grave enemy opposition demonstrated by the officers and men participating in Operation SEARCH TURN were singularly responsible for the prodigious success of the campaign and reflect credit upon themselves and the naval service. All personnel attached to and serving with CTG 194.3 during the above-designated period, and who were actually present and taking part in the actions described, are hereby authorized to wear the Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon.

For the Secretary
T. H. Moorer
Admiral, United States Navy
Chief of Naval Operations