USMC, 1st Radio Battalion, Vietnam Veterans
Awards
Many of our Marines are entitled to these
awards *
Navy Unit Commendation (31 October 1968 - 31 July
1969)
THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY
WASHINGTON
The Secretary of the Navy takes pleasure in presenting the NAVY UNIT COMMENDATION to
for service as set forth in the following
CITATION:
For exceptionally meritorious service from 31 October 1968 to 31 July 1969 in connection with operations against enemy forces in the Republic of Vietnam. Demonstrating an outstanding degree of professionalism, the 1st Radio Battalion provided continuing technical support to the Commanding General, III Marine Amphibious Force, and to Marine units numbering six infantry regiments, two task forces, two divisions, and one aircraft wing. During this period, the 1st Radio Battalion supported tactical field commanders in twenty-five major combat operations. Working around the clock, the unit distinguished itself by forwarding timely and accurate information to the supported commander, thereby rendering invaluable assistance in the planning and successful execution of combat operations. With superb resourcefulness and ingenuity, the 1st Radio Battalion planned and instituted the first compact, mobile, direct support teams deployed into forward positions for the purpose of providing “real-time” technical support to the field commander. Overcoming ever increasing administrative and supply-line problems resulting from its widely dispersed units, the Battalion, through effective teamwork, esprit de corps and dedication of its officers and men, contributed significantly to the success of the military assistance effort in the Republic of Vietnam and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.
Secretary of the Navy
Graphic version
top
Army Meritorious Unit Commendation
(13 May 1961 to 31 December 1962)
| GO 22 | ||
| General Orders No. 22 |
} } } |
HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY Washington 25, D.C., 14 May 1963 |
|
MERITORIOUS UNIT COMMENDATION. By direction of the Secretary of the Army, under the provisions of paragraph [?], AR 679-5-1, the Meritorious Unit Commendation is awarded to the following unit of the United States Army for exceptional meritorious achievement in the performance of outstanding service during the period indicated:
The citation reads as follows: THE 3RD RADIO RESEARCH UNIT has distinguished itself by exceptionally meritorious achievement in the performance of outstanding service to the United States during the period 13 May 1961 to 31 December 1962 while engaged in military operations. During this period the 3rd Radio Research Unit furnished vital intelligence information to the Armed Forces of the United States. The information was secured under conditions of grave danger, and was processed and delivered through long and arduous hours of dedicated effort. The brilliant achievements of the 3rd Radio Research Unit have been invaluable to the success of military operations in Southeast Asia, and have reflected great credit upon the unit, the United States Army Security Agency, and the United States Army. By Order of the Secretary of the Army: | ||
|
EARLE G. WHEELER, General, United States Army Chief of Staff. | ||
| Official: J. C. LAMBERT Major General, United States Army, The Adjutant General. | ||
| Distribution: To be distributed in accordance with DA Form 19-4 requirements. | ||
| GO 28 | ||
| General Orders No. 28 |
} } } |
HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY Washington, D.C., 23 August 1965 |
| [Removed non-pertinent sections] | ||
|
MERITORIOUS UNIT COMMENDATION. So much of General Orders 22, Headquarters, Department of the Army, dated 14 May, 1963, as pertains to the citation of the Meritorious Unit Commendation to the 3d Radio Research Unit, is amended to include: "Sub Unit #1, 1st Composite Radio Company, FMF (USMC)." By Order of the Secretary of the Army: | ||
|
HAROLD K. JOHNSON, General, United States Army Chief of Staff. | ||
| Official: J. C. LAMBERT Major General, United States Army, The Adjutant General. | ||
| Distribution: To be distributed in accordance with DA Form 12-4 requirements. | ||
Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation
(1 August 1969 - 9 March 1970)
DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY
HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES MARINES CORPS
WASHINGTON, DC 20380
The Secretary of the Navy takes pleasure in presenting the MERITORIOUS UNIT COMMENDATION to
for service as set forth in the following
CITATION:
For meritorious service in connection with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) and North Vietnamese Army forces in the Republic of Vietnam from 1 August 1969 to 9 March 1970. Demonstrating an exceptional degree of professionalism, the first Radio Battalion provided outstanding technical support to one of the largest forces ever committed to the field under command of a U.S. Marine Headquarters. During this period, the first Radio Battalion, consisting of direct support units at Vandergrift Combat Base, Dong Ha Mountain, dong Ha Combat Base, Con Thien, Hill 327, Hill 37, Hill 55, An Hoa, and Danang, provided continuing technical support to deployed infantry regiments, two Marine task forces, two Marine divisions, one Marine aircraft wing, and the Commanding General, III Marine Amphibious Force and subordinate Army commands. The unit supported tactical field commanders in major combat operations, including Operations PIPESTONE CANYON, IROQUOIS GROVE, ARLINGTON CANYON, IDAHO CANYON, GEORGIA TAR, FULTON SQUARE, and DURHAM PEAK. Working around the clock, the unit distinguished itself by forwarding to the supported commander timely and accurate information which was of priceless value in the planning and successful execution of combat operations. This information was of a highly sensitive and complex nature and would have been virtually impossible to obtain by any other means without substantial loss of friendly lives. Displaying superb resourcefulness and ingenuity, First Radio Battalion planned and instituted the first compact mobile direct support teams deployed into forward positions for the purpose of providing real-time technical support to the field commander. Faced with ever increasing supply lines and administrative problems as a result of its widely dispersed units, first Radio Battalion exhibited aggressive planning, coordination, and responsiveness in the areas of service support, logistics, morale, and personnel services. The effective teamwork, spirit and loyal devotion to duty of the officers and men of the First Radio Battalion provided a significant contribution to the success of the military assistance effort in the Republic of Vietnam and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.
For the Secretary of the Navy
Commandant of the Marine Corps
Graphic version
Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation (10 March 1970 - 3 April 1971)
DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY
HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES MARINES CORPS
WASHINGTON, DC 20380
The Secretary of the Navy takes pleasure in presenting the MERITORIOUS UNIT COMMENDATION to
for service as set forth in the following
CITATION:
For meritorious service in connection with operations against insurgent communist forces (Viet Cong and North Vietnamese Army) in the Republic of Vietnam from 10 March 1970 to 3 April 1971. Demonstrating an exceptional degree of professionalism, the First Battalion provided outstanding technical support to the III Marine Amphibious Force and First Marine Aircraft Wing as well as the U.S. Army
XXIX Corps and subordinate units. The Battalion supported tactical field commanders in major combat operations, including IMPERIAL LAKE, PICKENS FOREST, CATAWBA FALLS, TULARE FALLS, AND UPSHUR STREAM. With unequaled professionalism, the unit distinguished itself by forwarding to the supported commanders timely and accurate information which was of enormous value in the planning and execution of successful combat operations. This information, of a highly sensitive and complex nature, aided in the launching of successful assault missions, fire missions, blocking missions, air strikes, and include many warnings of impeding enemy attacks upon installations and deployed units of the U. S. Marine Corps and other Free World Forces. The results of this support contributed immeasurably to the safety of the military personnel of the United States and Free World Forces. Faced with myriad difficulties in supply and administration problems as a result of its widely dispersed units, First Radio Battalion exhibited aggressive planning, coordination, and responsiveness in the areas of service support, logistics, morale, and personnel services. The aggressive and effective teamwork, professionalism, and loyal devotion to duty of the officers and men of the First Radio Battalion provided a significant contribution to the success of the military assistance effort in the Republic of Vietnam and were in the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.
For the Secretary of the Navy
Commandant of the Marine Corps
Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal
The Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal was established by Secretary of the Navy H.A. Herbert and was implemented by Navy Department Special Orders Number 49 of July 20, 1896.
The Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal has been awarded for qualifying service from July 20, 1896 to the present.
The Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members in the Regular Marine Corps or Marine Corps Reserve to recognize good behavior and faithful service in the U.S. Marine Corps while on active duty for a specified period of time.
National Defense Service Medal
Established by President Eisenhower on April 22, 1953, the National Defense Service Medal indicates military service during a time of war or conflict regardless of the service member's station of duty.
Honorable Service -- Active Duty:
- June 27, 1950 through July 27, 1954
- January 1, 1961 through August 14, 1974
- August 2, 1990, through November 30, 1995
- September 11, 2001 -- no closing date at this time
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (AFEM) was established by Executive Order 10977, dated 4 December 1961 and Executive Order 11231, 8 July 1965. The medal is authorized for U.S. military operations, U.S. operations in direct support of the United Nations, and U.S. operations of assistance for friendly foreign nations.
- Designated U.S. military operations includes service in the evacuation of Vietnam-Operation Frequent Wind, from 29 to 30 April 1975.
- Designated U.S. operations of assistance for a friendly foreign nation includes service in Vietnam from 1 July 1958 to 3 July 1965.
Service members earning the AFEM for Vietnam service between 1 July 1958 and 3 July 1965 may elect to receive the Vietnam Service Medal (below) instead of the AFEM. No service member may be issued both medals for Vietnam service.
The Vietnam Service Medal (VSM) was established by Executive Order 11231, 8 July 1965. It is awarded to all members of the Armed Forces of the United States serving in Vietnam and contiguous waters or airspace thereover, after 3 July 1965 (later became retroactive to 15 November 1961) through 28 March 1973. Members of the Armed Forces of the United States in Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia, or the airspace thereover, during the same period and serving in direct support of operations in Vietnam are also eligible for this award. Personnel are authorized one bronze campaign star for each qualifying campaign with a silver star worn in lieu of five bronze stars:
1. Vietnam Advisory Campaign (15 March 1962- 7 March 1965)
2. Vietnam Defense Campaign (8 March-24 December 1965)
3. Vietnamese Counteroffensive (25 December 1965- 30 June 1966)
4. Vietnamese Counteroffensive (1 July 1966-31 May 1967) Phase II
5. Vietnamese Counteroffensive (1 June 1967-29 January 1968) Phase III
6. Tet Counteroffensive (30 January-l April 1968)
7. Vietnamese Counteroffensive (2 April-30 June 1968) Phase IV
8. Vietnamese Counteroffensive (1 July-l November 1969) Phase V
9. Vietnamese Counteroffensive (2 November 1968- 22 February 1969) Phase VI
10. Tet 69/Counteroffensive (23 February-8 June 1969)
11. Vietnam Summer-Fall 1969 (9 June-31 October 1969)
12. Vietnam Winter-Spring 1970 (1 November 1969-30 April 1970)
13. Sanctuary Counteroffensive (1 May-30 June 1970)
14. Vietnamese Counteroffensive (l July 1970-30 June1971) Phase VII
15. Consolidation I (1 Jul 1971 - 30 Nov 1971)
16. Consolidation II (1 Dec 1971 - 29 Mar 1972)
17. Vietnam Ceasefire Campaign (30 Mar 1972 - 28 Jan 1973)Read named campaign activity on http://www.army.mil/cmh-pg/reference/vncmp.htm,/a>
The Republic of Vietnam
Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross with Palm and
Frame)
THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY
WASHINGTON
The Secretary of the Navy has approved the acceptance ... of the award for the III Marine Amphibious force to include all Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard units attached to or serving therewith during the period 8 March 1965 - 20 September 1969.
All Marine Corps units under the operational control of the III Marine Amphibious Force during this period are entitled to this award and as such are considered cited units within themselves and all such units which are authorized flags are entitled to fly the streamer of the Gallantry Cross with palm 6. All personnel of the above-mentioned units during the period in question who were present and serving in Vietnam are authorized to wear the Gallantry Cross ribbon bar with palm and frame.
[Commentary: The medal will be forever on the Vietnam War veterans'
pictures for the future generations to contemplate. This is a symbol of
gratitude to the American and Allied soldiers who once worked and fought and
sacrificed themselves for the freedom of the Republic of Vietnam. The Vietnam Cross of Gallantry is the equivalent of the French Croix de Guerre.]
The Republic of Vietnam
Meritorious Unit Citation (Civil Action Medal, First Class Color with Palm and Frame)
The Republic of Vietnam Civil Action Medal is authorized as an individual foreign award to some members of the United States Army and certain units. It is authorized to all USN and USMC personnel who served in-country Vietnam. (USN and USMC personnel stationed on vessels are not authorized.) 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 January 1965 to 28 March 1973. Individuals who received the RVN Civil Actions Medal as an individual award are authorized to wear the medal. Personnel assigned to an unit which was awarded the medal are authorized to wear the unit award emblem.
Republic of Vietnam Campaign
Medal
The Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal is awarded to personnel who meet one of the following requirements:
a. Served in the Republic of Vietnam for six months during the period of 1 March 1961 and 28 March 1973.
b. Served outside the geographical limits of the Republic of Vietnam and contributed direct combat support to the Republic of Vietnam and Armed Forces for six months. Such individuals must meet the criteria established for the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (for Vietnam) or the Vietnam Service Medal, to qualify for the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.
c. Six months service is not required for individuals who were wounded by hostile forces; killed in action or otherwise in line of duty; or captured by hostile forces.
* This note from George Carnako -
If you were attached to 1stRadBn during ribbon time periods, even if for only one day, you are authorized to wear the
ribbon.
To obtain copies of awards earned, write to the National Personnel Records Center at the below address for discharged, deceased or retired personnel. If you are not the veteran or next of kin, or you are on active duty use form 180 link below. This office will identify any awards you've earned and provide replacement awards as necessary. It is helpful to include a copy of your Discharge Certificate (DD 214). If a DD 214 is not available, include your full name, service number, social security number, date of birth and as much additional pertinent information as possible.
Bureau of Naval PersonnelVeterans are entitled to one replacement set of their medals. To request medals, send a Standard Form 180, which can be obtained from the National Personnel Record Center web site,to the above address. Please write "Do not open in mailroom" on the outer envelope.
Retired Records Section
Room 5409
Attn: PERS-313E
9700 Page Avenue
Saint Louis, MO 63132-5100
Semper Fi!
George