The US Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation confers on the
recipient the right to wear a distinctive pennant, a green
pennant with yellow, blue and scarlet horizontal stripes top and
bottom. In addition, members of the ship's company serving
in the ship during the period for which the citation is awarded,
wear a separate ribbon.
The Commendation, established in July 1967, is a highly valued
honour and during the period of the Vietnam war, had no
equivalent in the Australian system of awards. The award
may be made to any unit of the US Navy or US Marine Corps which
has distinguished itself in combat or non-combat situations with
valorous or meritorious achievements. The award ranks
immediately below that of the US Navy Unit Commendation.
The award may also be conferred upon units of armed forces of
nations serving with the armed forces of the United States,
providing that these units meet the standards established for US
Navy and US Marine Corps units.
Citation for RAN Clearance Diving Team Three
The Secretary of the Navy takes pleasure in presenting the
Meritorious Unit Commendation to RAN Clearance Diving Team Three
for service as set forth in the following citation:
For meritorious achievement while conducting defence and
surveillance operations in the harbors of Vung Tau, Cam Ranh Bay,
Qui Nhon, and Nha Trang, in the Republic of Vietnam during the
period 19 February through 30 June 1967. As a part of
the Inshore Undersea Warfare Group ONE, Western Pacific
Detachment, the Royal Australian Navy Clearance Diving Team THREE
displayed well-coordinated effort and exemplary performance of
duty during the planning and establishment phase of the
counterinsurgency operations. Although operating in an
environment where the United States Navy had virtually no past
experience, detachment personnel were instrumental in denying
enemy forces freedom of movement within assigned harbors.
Harbor Defence units detected, boarded and searched large numbers
of suspect junks and craft, contributing significantly to the
curtailment of acts of sabotage and the flow of enemy
supplies. Through their initiative, versatility,
reliability and professional competence, the officers and men of
the Royal Australian Navy Clearance Diving Team THREE reflected
great credit upon themselves and the Royal Australian Navy, and
upheld the highest traditions of the naval service.
|
