Criteria The Purple Heart may be awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving under competent authority in any capacity with one of the Armed Forces, has been wounded, kill... The Purple Heart may be awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving under competent authority in any capacity with one of the Armed Forces, has been wounded, killed, or who has died or may die of wounds received in armed combat or as a result of an act of international terrorism. MoreHide
Comments On that day, EOC Haines was killed when he sustained wounds from an explosive device. His body was recovered.
Haines' Navy Commendation Medal citation reads:
For heroic service from 12 February to 7 Mar... On that day, EOC Haines was killed when he sustained wounds from an explosive device. His body was recovered.
Haines' Navy Commendation Medal citation reads:
For heroic service from 12 February to 7 March 1967 in connection with operations against the enemy while serving the U.S. Naval Mobile Construction Battalion FOUR, in the Republic of Vietnam. During this period, Chief Petty Officer Haines commanded four convoys, which were carrying material and equipment from Danang for the resurfacing of a combat-essential airfield at An Hoa. All convoys were required to travel over twenty miles of frequently mined roads and to pass through territory infested with enemy forces. Although aware that other vehicles had encountered mines and that friendly forces had come under enemy fire, Chief Petty Officer Haines volunteered and was selected to command these convoys, in addition to his normal duties as transportation manager for the battalion. Due to his outstanding leadership, extreme devotion to duty, and courageous spirit, each convoy was completed in a timely manner, enabling the construction project to be completed ahead of schedule. Chief Petty Officer Haines' initiative, heroic service, and intrepid leadership reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service. MoreHide
Criteria The Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal may be awarded to service members who, while serving in any capacity with the Navy or Marine Corps, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievem... The Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal may be awarded to service members who, while serving in any capacity with the Navy or Marine Corps, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement or meritorious service (but not of sufficient nature to warrant a higher decoration). MoreHide
Comments For heroic service from 12 February to 7 March 1967 in connection with operations against the enemy while serving the U.S. Naval Mobile Construction Battalion FOUR, in the Republic of Vietnam. During ... For heroic service from 12 February to 7 March 1967 in connection with operations against the enemy while serving the U.S. Naval Mobile Construction Battalion FOUR, in the Republic of Vietnam. During this period, Chief Petty Officer Haines commanded four convoys, which were carrying material and equipment from Danang for the resurfacing of a combat-essential airfield at An Hoa. All convoys were required to travel over twenty miles of frequently mined roads and to pass through territory infested with enemy forces. Although aware that other vehicles had encountered mines and that friendly forces had come under enemy fire, Chief Petty Officer Haines volunteered and was selected to command these convoys, in addition to his normal duties as transportation manager for the battalion. Due to his outstanding leadership, extreme devotion to duty, and courageous spirit, each convoy was completed in a timely manner, enabling the construction project to be completed ahead of schedule. Chief Petty Officer Haines' initiative, heroic service, and intrepid leadership reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service. MoreHide
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 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
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 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
At the height of the American involvement in Vietnam, the port of Da Nang, South Vietnam, was the Navy’s largest overseas shore command. From this port city, over 200,000 U.S., Vietnamese, and allied
At the height of the American involvement in Vietnam, the port of Da Nang, South Vietnam, was the Navy’s largest overseas shore command. From this port city, over 200,000 U.S., Vietnamese, and allied forces fighting in the I Corps Tactical Zone were supplied with everything that they needed to combat the VC and NVA aggressors.
The U.S. Navy established the MST-1 detachment to train Vietnamese crews and maintain PTFs in February 1964. The PTFs, under Vietnamese officers and crews, conducted over 1,000 raids against North Vietnam from March-April 1964 to January 1972. Because of Da Nang’s strategic location on rail, air, and highway routes, development of its facilities into a large deepwater port was essential. By the end of 1964, preparations were well underway to improve Da Nang’s base and port facilities. The airfield was expanded and new runways were constructed, so were piers, fuel farms, warehouses, and ammunition magazines. Marine ground security and helicopter units were stationed at the airfield.
When Marines deployed to Vietnam in large numbers beginning in March 1965, Da Nang became the focus of the growing War. For the next four years, Da Nang hosted various Army Divisions, and two Marine Divisions of the III Marine Amphibious Force. Together these forces, along with allied and South Vietnamese units, fought the VC and NVA enemy in the I Corps Tactical Zone. The Navy provided logistics support to the Coastal Surveillance Forces that patrolled offshore to interdict the smuggling of arms and supplies by North Vietnam to the South by sea. The PBRs of Task Force CLEARWATER fought to keep the rivers of I Corps open to allied logistics traffic. The Da Nang base became home to the Seabee’s 13th Naval Construction Regiment, and – later – the 3rd Naval Construction Brigade and 32nd Naval Construction Regiment.
Da Nang reached its peak in 1969. At that time the command controlled 250 ships, landing craft, lighters, tugs, barges, floating cranes that made it the largest concentration of such vessels in all of Southeast Asia. The command had 450 officers, 10,000 sailors, and had a civilian work force of 11,000 Vietnamese and civilian contractors. There were three deep-draft ship piers for ocean-going ships, while LSTs used the Tien Sha, Bridge, Museum, and Ferry cargo facilities. The port controlled 900,000 square feet of supply depot space, 2.7 million square feet of open-air storage space, and 500,000 cubic feet of refrigerated storage space. The port handled 320,000 tons of cargo
each month and the two tank farms reached a capacity of 50 million gallons that year.
In May 1969, the Americans began the turnover of assets to the South Vietnamese government. The NSA was charged with assisting the Vietnamese with this effort. A training program was established to replace the various American and contractor jobs with Vietnamese who could do these tasks. The 13th Naval Construction Regiment relocated to Okinawa in December 1969. December 1969 also saw the transfer of landing craft, barges, and lighters to the Vietnamese Navy. In May 1970, the Naval Hospital was turned over to Army control. The naval command continued training Vietnamese counterparts as the Army assumed overall logistics control in the I CTZ in June 1970. In November 1971, the 3rd Naval Construction Regiment furled its colors. NSA Da Nang was disestablished in April 1972. On 29 March 1973, the last American units at Da Nang – several fleet air detachments and the Naval Communications Station – were redeployed or disestablished in place. The Navy’s nine-year stay in Da Nang came to an end.
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Memories Haines' Navy Commendation Medal citation reads: For heroic service from 12 February to 7 March 1967 iHaines' Navy Commendation Medal citation reads: For heroic service from 12 February to 7 March 1967 in connection with operations against the enemy while serving the U.S. Naval Mobile Construction Battalion FOUR, in the Republic of Vietnam. During this period, Chief Petty Officer Haines commanded four convoys, which were carrying material and equipment from Danang for the resurfacing of a combat-essential airfield at An Hoa. All convoys were required to travel over twenty miles of frequently mined roads and to pass through territory infested with enemy forces. Although aware that other vehicles had encountered mines and that friendly forces had come under enemy fire, Chief Petty Officer Haines volunteered and was selected to command these convoys, in addition to his normal duties as transportation manager for the battalion. Due to his outstanding leadership, extreme devotion to duty, and courageous spirit, each convoy was completed in a timely manner, enabling the construction project to be completed ahead of schedule. Chief Petty Officer Haines' initiative, heroic service, and intrepid leadership reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.... More
Other Memories
Haines' Navy Commendation Medal citation reads: For heroic service from 12 February to 7 March 1967 in connection with operations against the enemy while serving the U.S. Naval Mobile Construction Battalion FOUR, in the Republic of Vietnam. During this period, Chief Petty Officer Haines commanded four convoys, which were carrying material and equipment from Danang for the resurfacing of a combat-essential airfield at An Hoa. All convoys were required to travel over twenty miles of frequently mined roads and to pass through territory infested with enemy forces. Although aware that other vehicles had encountered mines and that friendly forces had come under enemy fire, Chief Petty Officer Haines volunteered and was selected to command these convoys, in addition to his normal duties as transportation manager for the battalion. Due to his outstanding leadership, extreme devotion to duty, and courageous spirit, each convoy was completed in a timely manner, enabling the construction project to be completed ahead of schedule. Chief Petty Officer Haines' initiative, heroic service, and intrepid leadership reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
Criteria The Navy Good Conduct Medal (NGCM) is a decoration presented by the United States Navy to recognize members who have completed three years of honorable service. Medals awarded before January 1, 1996 r... The Navy Good Conduct Medal (NGCM) is a decoration presented by the United States Navy to recognize members who have completed three years of honorable service. Medals awarded before January 1, 1996 required four years of service. 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
Criteria The Navy Good Conduct Medal (NGCM) is a decoration presented by the United States Navy to recognize members who have completed three years of honorable service. Medals awarded before January 1, 1996 r... The Navy Good Conduct Medal (NGCM) is a decoration presented by the United States Navy to recognize members who have completed three years of honorable service. Medals awarded before January 1, 1996 required four years of service. MoreHide
Criteria The Navy Good Conduct Medal (NGCM) is a decoration presented by the United States Navy to recognize members who have completed three years of honorable service. Medals awarded before January 1, 1996 r... The Navy Good Conduct Medal (NGCM) is a decoration presented by the United States Navy to recognize members who have completed three years of honorable service. Medals awarded before January 1, 1996 required four years of service. MoreHide
Criteria The Navy Good Conduct Medal (NGCM) is a decoration presented by the United States Navy to recognize members who have completed three years of honorable service. Medals awarded before January 1, 1996 r... The Navy Good Conduct Medal (NGCM) is a decoration presented by the United States Navy to recognize members who have completed three years of honorable service. Medals awarded before January 1, 1996 required four years of service. 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
Haines' Navy Commendation Medal citation reads:
For heroic service from 12 February to 7 March 1967 in connection with operations against the enemy while serving the U.S. Naval Mobile Construction Battalion FOUR, in the Republic of Vietnam. During this period, Chief Petty Officer Haines commanded four convoys, which were carrying material and equipment from Danang for the resurfacing of a combat-essential airfield at An Hoa. All convoys were required to travel over twenty miles of frequently mined roads and to pass through territory infested with enemy forces. Although aware that other vehicles had encountered mines and that friendly forces had come under enemy fire, Chief Petty Officer Haines volunteered and was selected to command these convoys, in addition to his normal duties as transportation manager for the battalion. Due to his outstanding leadership, extreme devotion to duty, and courageous spirit, each convoy was completed in a timely manner, enabling the construction project to be completed ahead of schedule. Chief Petty Officer Haines' initiative, heroic service, and intrepid leadership reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.