The US Army Meritorious Unit Commendation confers on members
of the awarded unit the right to wear a scarlet ribbon 1-3/8
inches wide and 2/8 inches long in a gold coloured metal
frame. (For Australian units, this is subject to
ratification by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth.)
The commendation is awarded to a unit for the degree of
achievement required to that which would warrant the award of the
Legion of Merit to an individual.
Citation for
The First Battalion
The Royal Australian Regiment Group
By the direction of the Secretary of the Army, the Meritorious
Unit Commendation is awarded to the 1st BATTALION, ROYAL
AUSTRALIAN REGIMENT GROUP for exceptionally meritorious
achievement in the performance of outstanding service:
The 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment,
distinguished itself in the conduct of military operation in the
Republic of Vietnam from 5 May 1965 to 16 May 1966 while attached
to the 173rd
Airborne Brigade (Separate) of the United States
Army. As the first ground combat unit in-country, the 173rd
Airborne Brigade and its assigned and attached units conducted
extensive combat manoeuvres in the Bien Hoa area and in the Viet
Cong strongholds of War Zone D and the Iron Triangle during the
period 5 May 1965 to 4 May 1967. In every confrontation
with the stubborn insurgents, the 173rd Airborne Brigade
displayed marked aggressiveness which enabled them to neutralize
enemy strongholds and capture thousands of logistical
items. In addition to remarkable skill and tenacity in
combat, the sky soldiers of the brigade carried on an extensive
civic action program characterised by sincere compassion for
the suppressed local populace. During each of
the brigade's combat operations, the sky soldiers immeasurably
aided the allied counterinsurgency effort by winning the hearts
and minds of the Vietnamese people. The remarkable
proficiency and devotion to duty displayed by the members of the
173rd Airborne Brigade are in keeping with the highest traditions
of the military service and reflect distinct credit upon
themselves, the Armed Forces of the United States, and the Armed
Forces of Australian and New Zealand.
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