William H. Dabney

COMMANDER UNITED STATES NAVAL FORCES VIETNAM The Secretary of the Navy takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Commendation Medal to WILLIAM HOWARD DABNEY MAJOR UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS for service as set forth in the following CITATION "For meritorious achievement while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in armed conflict against the North Vietnamese and Viet Cong communist aggressors in the Republic of Vietnam from 2 to 26 March 1971. While serving as Airborne Coordinator with a Vietnamese Marine Corps division during Operation LAM SON Seven One Nine, Major DABNEY repeatedly flew dangerous missions, coordinating United States support arms and assets. Ignoring heavy enemy fire from anti- aircraft weapons, he continually flew into the areas where fighting was heaviest to assess friendly and enemy situations. His control and direction of artillery fire and air strikes by fixed wing aircraft and helicopter gunships significantly contributed to the extremely heavy casualties inflicted upon the enemy. Despite great personal danger, Major DABNEY continuously volunteered to fly observation and coordination missions over the areas of greatest danger. Major DABNEY's exemplary professionalism, devotion to duty and courage under fire reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the finest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service." The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized. For the Secretary of the Navy, /S/ R. S. Salser R. S. SALZER Rear Admiral, U. S. Navy Commander U. S. Naval Forces, Vietnam

The Secretary of the Navy takes pleasure in presenting the
Navy Commendation Medal to

"For meritorious achievement while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in armed conflict against the North Vietnamese and Viet Cong communist aggressors in the Republic of Vietnam from 2 to 26 March 1971. While serving as Airborne Coordinator with a Vietnamese Marine Corps division during Operation LAM SON Seven One Nine, Major DABNEY repeatedly flew dangerous missions, coordinating United States support arms and assets. Ignoring heavy enemy fire from anti- aircraft weapons, he continually flew into the areas where fighting was heaviest to assess friendly and enemy situations. His control and direction of artillery fire and air strikes by fixed wing aircraft and helicopter gunships significantly contributed to the extremely heavy casualties inflicted upon the enemy. Despite great personal danger, Major DABNEY continuously volunteered to fly observation and coordination missions over the areas of greatest danger. Major DABNEY's exemplary professionalism, devotion to duty and courage under fire reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the finest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service."