The Secretary of the Navy takes pleasure in presenting the
NAVY UNIT COMMENDATION to
UNITS OF CTG 194.4
PARTICIPATING IN OPERATION BARRIER REEF
for services as set forth in the following
CITATION:
For exceptionally meritorious service from 2 January to 31 March 1969 during
operations against enemy
forces in the Republic of Vietnam. During this period, the United States
and Vietnamese Navy personnel of
CTG 194.4 involved in Operation BARRIER REEF prosecuted an aggressive and
determined interdictive
campaign along the network of narrow canals across which enemy infiltration
of personnel and war material
had previously passed unhindered. Facing the constant threat of enemy mining
attempts, and braving numerous
automatic-weapons and rocket attacks at point blank range, task-group personnel
strove incessantly to sever
a vital enemy lifeline and thwart his offensive efforts in the Mekong Delta
region. While living and operating
under austere and hazardous conditions, the Navy men of CTG 194.4 seized
the initiative from the aggressors
and struck a blow of irreparable consequence. In every engagement the enemy,
attacking at his convenience,
was driven back by the heroic efforts of the BARRIER REEF units. Along
the entire expanse of waterways which
composed the campaign, the enemy soon found no refuge; their lifeline was
severed and the influx of war
material was significantly diminished, In combatting the enemy threat,
the units of CTG 194.4 demonstrated
outstanding courage and professionalism, reflecting great credit upon themselves
and the naval service.
Secretary of the Navy