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NavSource Online: Amphibious Photo Archive
Lost to enemy action, 27 February 1969
Patches contributed by Jerry Patterson ENCS USN Ret. LCU-1500 Landing Craft Utility
International Radio Call Sign: November - Papa - Papa - Romeo NPPR -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Awards, Citations and Campaign Ribbons
Precedence of awards is from top to bottom, left to right Top Row - Combat Action Ribbon (28 February 1968, 27 February 1969) - Presidential Unit Citation (2) Second Row - Navy Unit Commendation National Defense Service Medal - Vietnam Service Medal (7) Third Row - Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation - Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Unit Citation - Vietnam Campaign Medal Individual Awards
Silver Star (Robert L. Simons, BM1, USN) (Citation) Bronze Star (With Combat "V") Willie Abrams EN1 Purple Hearts (Six, 28 February 1968 - 1 KIA RMSN Kenneth L. Cook, 5 WIA - BM1 Robert L. Simons, EN2 Marlin P. Eagle, GMG2 Robert R. Hayner, QM2 James R. King, SA Christian J Peetz, RMSN Kenneth L Cook (Twelve 27 February 1969, KIA - BMC Donald J. Fisher, EN1 Bert E. Burten, EM1 Cecil F. Bush, CS2 Marvin D. Avery, BM2 David W. Hawryshko, BM3 Ronal P. Yuhas, BM3 Donald M. Horton, GMG3 Ronald J. Qubbie, SN Craig E. Swagler, SN Bruno W. Demata, FN Charles A. Tavaras, FN Joseph F. Burinda)
LCT-1466 Class Landing Craft Tank: Laid down, circa 1953-55, at Port Houston Iron Works, Houston, TX. Launched, date unknown Placed in service, circa 1953-55 (date unknown) During the Vietnam War LCU-1500 was assigned to the Lighterage Division at US Naval Support Activity Da Nang, Republic of South Vietnam and participated in the following campaigns: Vietnam War Campaigns Campaign and Dates Campaign and Dates Vietnamese Counteroffensive - Phase II 1 July 1966 to 31 May 1967 Vietnamese Counteroffensive - Phase V 1 July to 1 November 1968 Vietnamese Counteroffensive - Phase III 1 June 1967 to 29 January 1968 Vietnamese Counteroffensive - Phase VI 2 November 1968 to 22 February 1969 Tet Counteroffensive 30 January to 1 April 1968 Tet/69 Counteroffensive 23 to 27 February 1969 Vietnamese Counteroffensive - Phase IV 2 April to 30 June 1968 .
Hit by enemy fire, 28 February 1968, while underway from Dong Ha Vietnam. When LCU-1500 came under enemy fire she return fire with her 20mm guns. An incoming enemy rocket hit the gyro compass on the conn killing one and wounding six. Hit by enemy rocket fire and destroyed, 27 February 1969, at Bridge Ramp, Da Nang, South Vietnam with the loss of twelve crewmen Struck from the Naval Register, date unknown LCU-1500 earned seven campaign stars for Vietnam War service -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Specifications: Displacement 180 t.(lt) 360 t.(fl) Length 119' (ovl.) Beam 34' Draft 6' Speed 10 kts. Range 700 nautical miles at 7 kts. Complement 14 Cargo Capacity 150 short tons Armament 1 single 20mm AA gun mount, 2 .50 cal. machine guns Armor 2 1/2" wheelhouse, 2" gun shield Propulsion 3 Grey Marine Diesels, 3 shafts, Shaft horsepower 675 bhp per shaft --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
Criteria The Navy Unit Commendation may be awarded by the Secretary of the Navy to any unit of the Navy or Marine Corps that distinguishes itself by outstanding heroism in action against an enemy (but not suff... The Navy Unit Commendation may be awarded by the Secretary of the Navy to any unit of the Navy or Marine Corps that distinguishes itself by outstanding heroism in action against an enemy (but not sufficiently to justify the award of the Presidential Unit Citation). It may also be awarded to a unit that distinguishes itself by extremely meritorious service not involving combat (but in support of military operations), which renders that unit outstanding when compared to other units performing similar service. MoreHide
Description THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY WASHINGTON
The Secretary of the Navy takes pleasure in commending
UNITED STATES NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY, DANANG
for service as set forth in the following
CITATION:
For exceptionall... THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY WASHINGTON
The Secretary of the Navy takes pleasure in commending
UNITED STATES NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY, DANANG
for service as set forth in the following
CITATION:
For exceptionally meritorious service from 16 August 1966 to 15 May 1969 in providing logistic support to United States and other Free World Military Assistance Forces engaged in combat in the critical l Corps Tactical Zone (ICTZ) of the Republic of Vietnam. During this period, major expansions and additions to the responsibilities of United States Naval Support Activity, Danang were accompanied by a large buildup of
forces and the extension o support operations to new areas. Through careful planning, Ingenuity, and long hours of arduous work. and notwithstanding the effects of the 1968 Tet Offensive. continued enemy activity against forward resupply lines and adverse weather conditions. the Activity succeeded in delivering, efficiently and with minimum delay, vast quantities of vital war materials. resulting in a high degree of supply effectiveness and security to the ports and base installations against many guerrilla type actions. During this period, public works'accelerated the expansion of its output to match the increased rate of growth in lCTZ requirements. Particularly noteworthy was the Activity's response to medical logistics problems within the entire I Corps area. The base hospital at Danang saved many lives and returned large numbers of casualties to duty while responding magnificently to the increased number of admissions, as well as to the growing complexity of type and extent of injuries due to the intensification of the conflict in that area. With the assignment of a construction battalion unit to the operational control of Commander Naval Support Activity, Danang, in May 1967, construction and maintenance support was accomplished in a manner well-beyond the planned capabilities of the unit. By their superb performance throughout all the many diverse operations of the Activity, the officers and men of United States Naval Support Activity, Danang, and subordinate units, upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
All personnel attached to and serving with the United States Naval Support Activity Danang, during the period designated above, or any part thereof, are hereby authorized to wear the Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon. 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 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 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
Description This Campaign period was from 1 June 1967 to 29 January 1968. By mid-1967, the Navy's Military Sea Transportation Service operated a fleet of 527 reactivated World War II Reserve Fleet ships and chartThis Campaign period was from 1 June 1967 to 29 January 1968. By mid-1967, the Navy's Military Sea Transportation Service operated a fleet of 527 reactivated World War II Reserve Fleet ships and chartered vessels under U.S. and foreign registry. Throughout this period, MSTS shipping carried over 40,000 U.S. and allied combat and support troops to South Vietnam. The allied requirements for transportation were passed from MSTS representatives in the ports of Danang, Chu Lai, Qui Nhon, Nha Trang, Cam Ranh, Vung Tau, Phan Rang, and Vung Ro through the MSTS office in Saigon to the MSTS Far East, headquartered in Yokohama, Japan, and finally to Commander MSTS in the United States. Many types of vessels sailed in the MSTS fleet, including converted escort carriers Core, Card, Point Cruz (T-AKV 19), and Kula Gulf (T-AKV 8), which served as aircraft ferries. Corpus Christi Bay (T-ARVH 1), formerly seaplane tender Albermarle (AV 5), operated as a helicopter repair ship for the Army. In addition to the great number of standard cargo hulls, the service operated ships that carried cargo stowed in easily handled containers and new roll-on/roll-off ships that could quickly load and unload vehicles through rear or side ports. Arriving at Danang on 1 August 1967, Bienville was the first such container vessel to reach South Vietnam. Fuel tankers included the 190,000-barrel capacity Maumee (T-AO 149), the 140,000-barrel Cache (T-AO 67), and the 30,000-barrel Chattahoochee (T-AOG 82), the latter of which was used for storage and shuttle services in-country.
MSTS also controlled as many as 16 troop transports in the Pacific during the buildup of forces in South Vietnam. A fleet of LSTs, the number of which increased from 17 to 42 by mid-1968, handled cargo shuttling along the coast. In-port lighterage and terminal duties were accomplished by the MSTS-contracted Alaska Barge and Transport Company, which operated 19 tugs and 33 barges. The total MSTS effort ensured that the 550,000-man U.S. contingent in South Vietnam was well supplied, armed, and prepared to stay in the battle against the determined enemy.
Naval Support Activity, Saigon, which the Navy activated on 17 May 1966, two days after HSAS ceased operations, was charged with providing logistic support to naval units in the II, III, and IV Corps Tactical Zones. The newly created NAVFORV directed the operations of NSA Saigon. The support activity supplied the Navy's Coastal Surveillance Force, River Patrol Force, Riverine Assault Force, and the various specialized headquarters, offices, and detachments operating in the three southern corps areas. NSA Saigon provided the commands with ammunition, weapons, and communications equipment; transported cargo and personnel; repaired and maintained ships and craft; stocked spare parts; and built bases and facilities. Finally, NSA saw to the quartering, messing, payroll, and recreational needs of the naval officers and enlisted personnel in Vietnam.
The Saigon activity developed subordinate support bases for the combat forces similar to those of NSA Danang's. NSA Saigon detachments at Qui Nhon, Nha Trang, Cam Ranh Bay, An Thoi, Cat Lo, and Vung Tau primarily served the Market Time operation, although the last two bases were home to other naval combat units as well. The concentration of the Task Force 115 headquarters, naval air units, and other large contingents at Cam Ranh Bay required greater command authority and logistic resources. As a result, in September 1967, NSA Saigon upgraded the detachment to the Naval Support Facility, Cam Ranh Bay. Detachments were also established at Can Tho (and later moved to nearby Binh Thuy), Nha Be, Vinh Long, Sa Dec, My Tho, Tan Chau, and Long Xuyen. These units saw to the special needs of the Task Force 116 PBR commands. The Naval Support Activity, Saigon, Detachment Dong Tam, supplied only the Mobile Riverine Force naval units. ... More
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
NavSource Online: Amphibious Photo Archive
Lost to enemy action, 27 February 1969
Patches contributed by Jerry Patterson ENCS USN Ret.
LCU-1500
Landing Craft Utility
International Radio Call Sign:
November - Papa - Papa - Romeo
NPPR
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Awards, Citations and Campaign Ribbons
Precedence of awards is from top to bottom, left to right
Top Row - Combat Action Ribbon (28 February 1968, 27 February 1969) - Presidential Unit Citation (2)
Second Row - Navy Unit Commendation National Defense Service Medal - Vietnam Service Medal (7)
Third Row - Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation - Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Unit Citation - Vietnam Campaign Medal
Individual Awards
Silver Star (Robert L. Simons, BM1, USN) (Citation)
Bronze Star (With Combat "V") Willie Abrams EN1
Purple Hearts (Six, 28 February 1968 - 1 KIA RMSN Kenneth L. Cook, 5 WIA - BM1 Robert L. Simons,
EN2 Marlin P. Eagle, GMG2 Robert R. Hayner, QM2 James R. King, SA Christian J Peetz, RMSN Kenneth L Cook
(Twelve 27 February 1969, KIA - BMC Donald J. Fisher, EN1 Bert E. Burten, EM1 Cecil F. Bush, CS2 Marvin D. Avery,
BM2 David W. Hawryshko, BM3 Ronal P. Yuhas, BM3 Donald M. Horton, GMG3 Ronald J. Qubbie,
SN Craig E. Swagler, SN Bruno W. Demata, FN Charles A. Tavaras, FN Joseph F. Burinda)
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LCT-1466 Class Landing Craft Tank:
Laid down, circa 1953-55, at Port Houston Iron Works, Houston, TX.
Launched, date unknown
Placed in service, circa 1953-55 (date unknown)
During the Vietnam War LCU-1500 was assigned to the Lighterage Division at US Naval Support Activity Da Nang, Republic of South Vietnam and participated in the following campaigns:
Vietnam War Campaigns Campaign and Dates Campaign and Dates
Vietnamese Counteroffensive - Phase II
1 July 1966 to 31 May 1967 Vietnamese Counteroffensive - Phase V
1 July to 1 November 1968
Vietnamese Counteroffensive - Phase III
1 June 1967 to 29 January 1968 Vietnamese Counteroffensive - Phase VI
2 November 1968 to 22 February 1969
Tet Counteroffensive
30 January to 1 April 1968 Tet/69 Counteroffensive
23 to 27 February 1969
Vietnamese Counteroffensive - Phase IV
2 April to 30 June 1968 .
Hit by enemy fire, 28 February 1968, while underway from Dong Ha Vietnam. When LCU-1500 came under enemy fire she return fire with her 20mm guns. An incoming enemy rocket hit the gyro compass on the conn killing one and wounding six.
Hit by enemy rocket fire and destroyed, 27 February 1969, at Bridge Ramp, Da Nang, South Vietnam with the loss of twelve crewmen
Struck from the Naval Register, date unknown
LCU-1500 earned seven campaign stars for Vietnam War service
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Specifications:
Displacement 180 t.(lt) 360 t.(fl)
Length 119' (ovl.)
Beam 34'
Draft 6'
Speed 10 kts.
Range 700 nautical miles at 7 kts.
Complement 14
Cargo Capacity 150 short tons
Armament 1 single 20mm AA gun mount, 2 .50 cal. machine guns
Armor 2 1/2" wheelhouse, 2" gun shield
Propulsion 3 Grey Marine Diesels, 3 shafts, Shaft horsepower 675 bhp per shaft
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