The Secretary of the Navy takes pleasure in commending the
RACH GIA INTERDICTION GROUP (Task Group 194.6)
for services as set forth in the following
CITATION:
For exceptionally meritorious service from 7 November to 17 December 1968
while engaged in armed
conflict against North Vietnamese and Viet Cong communist aggressor forces
in the Republic of Vietnam.
During this period, the various elements of the Rach Gia Interdiction Group
pressed an extremely
daring and effective campaign against the ingression of communist personnel
and war materials from
Cambodia into the lower Mekong Delta region. Operating under hazardous
and austere conditions, the
patrol and air-support units of the Rach Gia Interdiction Group stalked
the narrow, enemy-infested canals
in an unceasing effort to detect and destroy the communist aggressors.
Although the toll of American
casualties was high during these days of countless engagements, Task Group
personnel consistently
displayed a determined and aggressive fighting spirit, braving continual
heavy enemy fire at point-blank
range. Ultimately, the enemy threat was quelled, a major route of communist
resupply was severed, and
pacification and Vietnamese resettlement commenced. By their valiant professionalism,
courageous
sacrifice, and inspiring devotion to duty in the face of grave enemy opposition,
the officers and men of
the Rach Gia Interdiction Group were singularly responsible for the prodigious
successes of the campaign,
and reflected great credit upon themselves, their units and the United
States Naval Service.
All personnel attached to and serving with the Rach Gia Interdiction Group (task Group 194.6) during the above-designated period, or any part thereof, are hereby authorized to wear the Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon.
Secretary of the Navy
(Acting)