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
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
3) NAVCOMSTAPHIL San Miguel, P.I. 1965
Criteria The Meritorious Unit Commendation may be awarded by the Secretary of the Navy to any unit of the Navy or Marine Corps that distinguishes itself under combat or noncombat conditions by either valorous ... The Meritorious Unit Commendation may be awarded by the Secretary of the Navy to any unit of the Navy or Marine Corps that distinguishes itself under combat or noncombat conditions by either valorous or meritorious achievement which renders that unit outstanding compared to other units performing similar service, but not sufficient to justify the award of the Navy Unit Commendation. MoreHide
Description
1) NAVCOMSTAPHIL, San Miguel, P.P. 1966
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 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
USS ORISKANY - 1965 USS HANCOCK - 1966 NAVCOMSTAPHIL - 1966 VQ-1 1966
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 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 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
For Service from October 1965 to July 1966
Criteria The Vietnam Meritorious Service Medal was a military decoration of South Vietnam that was issued between the years of 1950 and 1974. Each of the three Vietnamese military services issued its own versi... The Vietnam Meritorious Service Medal was a military decoration of South Vietnam that was issued between the years of 1950 and 1974. Each of the three Vietnamese military services issued its own version of the Meritorious Service Medal. MoreHide
Comments
For service with VQ-1 -Danang, S. Vietnam-
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
Description
For service with VQ-1 De. "Bravo" -Danang, S. Vietnam-
Best Moment
Making CTR1, Competeing in the 3rd Annual NATO COMUNICATIONS COMPETETION in Amsterdam.TAD to Rota, Spain,
Worst Moment
When I wasn't TAD to someplace else.
Chain of Command
Normal, (NAVY spooks on an an AIR FORCE spook base).
Other Memories
operating ham station TA2ZZ (me, W5BIB). at night ! Amateur radio had been banned in Turkey since WW II, so all operating was done at nite, for short periods of time. Needless to say, it was stupid, but fun. (could have been accused of "spying" (imagine that)
Best Moment
Competeing against Radiomen from all over Europe/Med to Become "Team Captain" of the "3rd Annual NATO Naval Communications Competition" held at Amsterdam, The NETHERLANDS. I finished 4th out of 10 in the morse code sending portion of the competetion, while the U.S. finished 3rd overall. " Window shopping" in Amsterdam is another topic. Great TAD trip.
Worst Moment
none
Chain of Command
A mustang Lt. Whitmore was a POW in WW II. Submarine service, CHIEF Whitehead was also POW WW II, then...me!
Other Memories
A second class Signalman swapping uniforms one nite in Amsterdam, with a British Sailor. The Lt. and Chief woke me up the next morning and wanted to know where "GRUBBS" was ? SN2 Grubbs was asleep in his rack, wearing the "Limies" uniform, and the "Limie" was in jail downtown for standing up on a bar (in U.S Navy uniform!!) peeing on patrons in the bar, and swinging on a light fixture, tearing it up....!!! and getting arrested as an "American Sailor"... took awhile, but it was all settled down.. funny.. (I was there!!) ...more to come in a book
Best Friends
CTR1 Barry Love, and name unknown RM1(SS) first name; Harry
Best Moment
GRADUATING
Worst Moment
Captains Mast for oversleeping. Dismissed with warning. (Years later learned I had a bad hearing loss from many hours of flying and wearing earphones to intercept morse code), couldn't hear phones ringing, alarms, bells, whistles, etc. huh?...
Chain of Command
I guess there was
Other Memories
Became friends (drinking buddies) with a First Class Radioman (ss), I was a First Class Communications Technician (ac). Talk about opposites !!,...He was attending the same schools I was, and he had been on PBR's in Vietnam, What are the chances of a RM1(SS), and a CTR1(AC) hangin' out!!! Only in the Navy!!! (Just remembered... his first name was Harry)..fugly dude !!! 1969 MGB-GT
Criteria The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while partic... The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while participating in aerial flight, but not of a degree that would justify an award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. MoreHide
Comments
One GOLD STAR in lieu of 2nd award of Air Medal for service with VQ-1 Det "BRAVO" DaNang, S.Vietnam . Awarded at Karamursel, Turkey in 1968.
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
Best Friends
Jim Veluzat, The Hachiman M/C Club(I can see the faces, but, can't remember the names), "Howie" Rivers, Sonny Clendenon, (so much was going on, so fast, in so many places...) Butch Lutz...
Best Moment
TAD trips, racing dirt bikes at Kadena, my 1964 Chevy Malibu SS (white), 250 DuCatti, Field promotion (Vietnam) to CTR2, etc, etc,....TAD to onna point, Okinawa to test equipment for NSA.
Criteria The Meritorious Unit Commendation may be awarded by the Secretary of the Navy to any unit of the Navy or Marine Corps that distinguishes itself under combat or noncombat conditions by either valorous ... The Meritorious Unit Commendation may be awarded by the Secretary of the Navy to any unit of the Navy or Marine Corps that distinguishes itself under combat or noncombat conditions by either valorous or meritorious achievement which renders that unit outstanding compared to other units performing similar service, but not sufficient to justify the award of the Navy Unit Commendation. MoreHide
Description
U.S.S. Hancock -South China Sea/Vietnam-
Best Friends
numerous...Howard Rivers, Butch Lutz, Sonny Clendennen,Jim Lannigan, some others that never came back.
Best Moment
Re-enlisting in the co-pilots seat of PR-21(later shot down by North Korea, with loss of all hands) on Sept. 13th 1966 10,000 ft. above the Gulf of Tonkin off from Vinh, N.Vietnam. Field promotion to CTR2. Making it thru numerous mishaps in one piece, and comming home.
Worst Moment
Getting chased down by Migs off Vinh. Engine fires. Airbase being shelled at various times, having to "hand pump" the landiing gear down when we lost hydrolic fluid.
Chain of Command
???
Other Memories
...Later...(stealing jeeps)..trading San Miguel beer for Steaks, China Beach...White Eelephant, Dog patch, hill-327, etc, etc, etc.....pissin' into a tube in the ground, having to empty the "benjo" from the plane
Best Moment
dry dock in yokosuka after typhoon in the straits of Taiwan did damage. Hong-Kong (again). damn... so long ago...
Worst Moment
aforementioned typhoon in straits of Taiwan. Tore off 90 ft. of cat-walk on the stbd. side. Our spaces were on the 03 level in the bow. nuff said.
Chain of Command
exempt, except for our OIC. We had civilian clothes onboard to wear ashore in Hong Kong. The quarterdeck stopped even asking. "It's those SPOOKS", they are weird, don't mess with them.
Other Memories
wearing a .38 in a shoulder holster on burn detail, (destroying classified material in the incinerator), going down on the mess-decks to jump line for ice-cream afterwords. Folks just couldn't figure us out.
Criteria The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while partic... The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while participating in aerial flight, but not of a degree that would justify an award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. MoreHide
Comments
2) Gold Star in lieu of 2nd award. VQ-1 Det "Bravo" DaNang, S. Vietnam, Awarded at TUSLOG Det 28, Karamursel, Turkey 1968.
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
NAVCOMSTAPHIL 1965 USS HANCOCK - 1966 USS ORISKANY - 1965 VQ-1 DaNang, S. Vietnam 1966
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
For service with VQ-1, U.S.S. Oriskany, U.S.S. Hancock
Best Friends
J.W. Bland from Pine Bluff, Ark. Virgil Carter from Kingston, Ark.
Best Moment
Graduating with no set-backs
Worst Moment
arriving at 2am one cold Feb. morning in a sweater.
Instructors
ENC Henning
Other Memories
Standing in line pre-dawn at minus 10 degrees, Camp Barry,Camp Dewey, Camp Porter, Beatles had just landed, one short liberty to Milwaukee on the North Shore train, Dumpster watches!, Clothes line watches, Fire watches, Snow watches, Dorm watches, Mickey Mouse companies !! Tear gas, 17 years old.
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
James Whittle, Fred Tibbs,
Making CTR1, Competeing in the 3rd Annual NATO COMUNICATIONS COMPETETION in Amsterdam.TAD to Rota, Spain,
When I wasn't TAD to someplace else.
Normal, (NAVY spooks on an an AIR FORCE spook base).
operating ham station TA2ZZ (me, W5BIB). at night ! Amateur radio had been banned in Turkey since WW II, so all operating was done at nite, for short periods of time. Needless to say, it was stupid, but fun. (could have been accused of "spying" (imagine that)