THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY
WASHINGTON
The Secretary of the Navy takes pleasure in presenting the
NAVY UNIT COMMENDATION TO:
UNITED STATES NAVY COASTAL
SURVEILLANCE FORCE
(TASK FORCE 115)
for service as set forth under the
following
CITATION
For exceptionally meritorious service from 1 January 1967 to 31 March
1968 in connection with the interdiction of enemy forces and supplies
into The Republic of Vietnam . Maintaining a close vigil
over 1200 miles of coastline and more than 50,000 licensed watercraft,
United States Navy Coastal Surveillance Force (Task Force 115) created
one of the most effective coastal barriers in naval history.
Although constantly subjected to enemy fire, the task force successfully
fulfilled its missions in support of the counterinsurgency
effort in Vietnam. Nine large-scale enemy attempts to infiltrate
arms, ammunition, and supplies were interdicted and defeated by Task
Force 115 and vast quantities of insurgent war materials were destroyed
or captured. In addition to conducting almost daily naval gunfire
support missions which inflicted extensive damage and destruction upon
the enemy, task force units completed over seventy search and rescue
missions; carried out hundreds of psychological missions and medical
civic action programs; and medically evacuated numerous injured or
wounded civilian and military personnel. One particularly significant
mission under taken by Task Force 115 was the training of Vietnamese
Navy personnel, which resulted in greatly improved morale and
professional abilities within the Vietnamese Navy. The task force also
developed a multifaceted operation, without precedent in modern naval
annals, to counter enemy insurgency. The outstanding
professionalism, courage, and dedication displayed by the officers and
men of the Coastal Surveillance Force reflected great credit upon
themselves and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United
States Naval Service.
/s/ John H. Chafee
Secretary of the Navy |
