Criteria The Combat Action Ribbon is a personal decoration awarded to members of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard (when operating under the control of the Navy) in the grade of captain (or colonel in th... The Combat Action Ribbon is a personal decoration awarded to members of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard (when operating under the control of the Navy) in the grade of captain (or colonel in the Marine Corps) and below who have actively participated in ground or surface combat. MoreHide
Criteria The Presidential Unit Citation may be awarded to units of the Armed Forces of the United States and cobelligerent nations for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy occurring on or aft... The Presidential Unit Citation may be awarded to units of the Armed Forces of the United States and cobelligerent nations for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy occurring on or after December 7, 1941. MoreHide
Description THE PRESIDENT of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION
TO THE
FIRST MARINE DIVISION (REINFORCED), FLEET MARINE FORCE, PACIFIC
for service as set forth in the foll... THE PRESIDENT of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION
TO THE
FIRST MARINE DIVISION (REINFORCED), FLEET MARINE FORCE, PACIFIC
for service as set forth in the following
CITATION:
For extraordinary heroism and outstanding performance of duty in action against the North Vietnamese Army and Viet Cong forces in the Republic of Vietnam, from 29 March 1966 to 15 September 1967. Throughout this period, the First Marine Division (Reinforced), operating in the northern provinces of Quang Ngai, Quang Tin, and Quang Nam, superbly executed the threefold mission of seeking out and destroying the enemy, defending key airfields and routes of communication, and conducting a dynamic pacification and revolutionary development program. Operating in the defense of the Chu Lai area, which grew from 254 square miles in March 1966 to 1,531 square miles by October 1966, the Division extended protection and pacification to over one million Vietnamese without loss of continuity in operations. In canopied jungles, rugged mountains, and through swampy lowlands, the war was carried to the enemy. During eighty-seven major operations conducted in conjunction with 158,000 patrols, the Division soundly defeated the determined adversary. The major offensive operations carried out against entrenched and fortified forces, captured tons of rice and emancipated complete villages of the Vietnamese, while defensive actions resulted in a harvest of 7,620 tons of rice gathered by approximately 10,000 Vietnamese villagers, protected by Marine Forces. In March 1967 the Division deployed units to the Demilitarized Zone while continuing to expand its general offensive and maintain continuous pressure against the enemy. During the entire period, combat operations were made meaningful by simultaneous pacification and revolutionary development programs, which were extraordinary in concept, and brilliant in execution. The First Marine Division's unrelenting combat spirit and initiative, undeterred by intensive enemy fire, monsoon rains, and incessant heat, inflicted massive losses on the enemy and denied him the political and military victories he sought to achieve. By their effective teamwork, aggressive fighting spirit, and many individual acts of personal heroism and daring, the personnel of the First Marine Division forged an illustrious record of sustained courage and professional competence, which reflected great credit upon the Marine Corps and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Criteria The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspa... The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspace; or, for any period of service during the same time period in Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia or the air spaces thereover and in direct support of operations in Vietnam. MoreHide
Description
Vietnam Counteroffensive Phase III 1 June 1967 - 29 January 1968
Criteria The Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross Colors) was authorized to be worn by units individually cited for service in military operations in support of the government of Sout... The Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross Colors) was authorized to be worn by units individually cited for service in military operations in support of the government of South Vietnam. The actions cited are for the same services that would have resulted in the award of a Valorous Unit Citation by the Army or a Navy Unit Citation MoreHide
Criteria
The unit citation of the Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Medal was awarded certain units by the Vietnamese government for meritorious service during the period 1 March 1961 to 28 March 1974.
Criteria This medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who: 1. Served for 6 months in South Vietnam during the period 1 Mar 61 and 28 Mar 73; or 2. Served outside the geographical l... This medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who: 1. Served for 6 months in South Vietnam during the period 1 Mar 61 and 28 Mar 73; or 2. Served outside the geographical limits of South Vietnam and contributed direct combat support to the RVN Armed Forces for an aggregate of six months. Only members of the Armed Forces of the United States who meet the criteria established for the AFEM (Vietnam) or Vietnam Service Medal during the period of service required are considered to have contributed direct combat support to the RVN Armed Forces; or 3. Did not complete the length of service required in item (1) or (2) above, but who, during wartime, were: a. Wounded by the enemy (in a military action); b. Captured by the enemy during action or in the line of duty, but later rescued or released; or c. Killed in action or in the line of duty; or 4. Were assigned in Vietnam on 28 Jan 73, and who served a minimum of 60 calendar days in Vietnam during the period 29 Jan 73 to 28 Mar 73. MoreHide
Criteria The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service... The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service during the current War on Terrorism. In addition, all members of the National Guard and Reserve who were part of the Selected Reserve in good standing between August 2, 1990, to November 30, 1995, are eligible for the National Defense Service Medal. In the case of Navy personnel, Midshipment attending the Naval Academy during the qualifying periods are eligible for this award, and Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) Midshipmen ae only eligible if they participated in a summer cruise that was in an area which qualified for a campaign medal. MoreHide