THE PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION (NAVY)

FOR EXTRAORDINARY HEROISM TO

FIRST MARINE REGIMENT (REINFORCED),
FIRST MARINE DIVISION (REINFORCED),
FLEET MARINE FORCE

For exceptionally  meritorious and  heroic achievement  during  the period 20 November  to 9 December 1968  in connection with operations against  enemy forces in Quang Nam Province, Republic of Vietnam.  Participating in Operation MEADE RIVER, a combined operation in support of the Government of Vietnam's  Accelerated  Pacification  Campaign, the  First  Marine  Regiment (Reinforced) skillfully  utilized foot and motor transportation, along  with the largest assault helicopter lift in Marine Corps history, to successfully emplace a cordon around an eleven-square-mile area from which the civilian populace was  evacuated for screening by province and  district agencies.  Following the establishment of  the virtually  impenetrable cordon, the Marines commenced to  fan out from their positions along  the eastern edge of the  encirclement to conduct a systematic  sweep and  search operation  in order to  ferret out  the entrapped  enemy.  For  the  next  several  days,  the  First  Marine  Regiment (Reinforced)  relentlessly  pressed  the attack in a  series of  intense and  fierce engagements  against  an extremely  stubborn  foe, resulting  in  a resounding victory  for   the  friendly  forces  and  extensive  enemy  losses  in  personnel, supplies  and  equipment.  By  their  superb  professionalism, valiant  fighting spirit,   and  unflagging   devotion  to  duty  throughout   Operation  MEADE RIVER,  the  officers  and  men of  the  First  Marine  Regiment  (Reinforced) made a significant contribution to United States efforts in Southeast Asia and upheld  the highest  traditions of  the  Marine Corps and of  the United States Naval Service.