for service as set forth in the following citation:

For exceptionally meritorious service from 14 May 1969 to 18 November 1970 in providing continued and effective repair, training and logistic support to ships and craft of the United States Navy, United States Coast Guard, Republic of Vietnam Navy, Royal Thai Navy and the Republic of Korea Navy engaged in combat operations in the rivers and coastal waters of the Republic of Vietnam. Operating throughout this period in threatened waters off the coast and within the rivers of Vietnam, USS TUTUILA, serving as a unit of U.S. Naval Forces, Vietnam, skillfully and untiringly provided repairs, training and logistic support to naval and ashore units of the Free World Forces engaged in MARKET TIME, SEAFLOAT and SEA LORDS operations, enabling battle damaged and disabled units to resume their operational commitments in a timely fashion. Typical of USS TUTUILA’s exceptional performance was the removal of a 3500-pound damaged propeller from the USCG TANEY (WHEC-37), a task normally requiring drydocking and shipyard facilities. The outstanding achievements of the USS TUTUILA during this period contributed significantly to the success of combat operations against the enemy and attest to the professional competence, diligence and devotion to duty of the individual members of the ship’s company. Their inspiring performance reflected great credit upon themselves and their ship and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

John H. Chafee
Secretary of the Navy