for service as set forth in the following citation:

For exceptionally meritorious service from 1 April 1966 to 30 April 1972 during operations against enemy forces in the Republic of Vietnam. During this period, the Headquarters Staff of Commander United States Naval Forces, Vietnam displayed outstanding skill in planning, directing, coordinating and supporting United States Naval Forces in the prosecution of the counterinsurgency war effort along the coasts, rivers and inland waterways of the Republic of Vietnam. Laboring under the pressures of time and resource limitations, in a hostile environment, the newly formed staff reworked and revitalized traditional concepts and combined them with original and untested ideas which have proved eminently successful in combatting the enemy and in effectively impeding his attempts at infiltration of men and supplies. With exceptional foresight and masterful planning, the staff established, coordinated, and supervised a unique and flexible defensive and offensive network. In order to allow for an expedited turnover of United States Navy assets to the Vietnamese Navy, the Headquarters Staff accomplished a carefully planned integration of United States and Vietnamese personnel and assets, in which the men of both countries fought together. Through outstanding professionalism, unswerving devotion to duty, and a profound sense of responsibility, the Headquarters Staff, Commander U.S. Naval Forces, Vietnam upheld the highest traditions of the naval service.

John W. Warner
Secretary of the Navy