Criteria The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspa... The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspace; or, for any period of service during the same time period in Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia or the air spaces thereover and in direct support of operations in Vietnam. MoreHide
Criteria The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspa... The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspace; or, for any period of service during the same time period in Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia or the air spaces thereover and in direct support of operations in Vietnam. MoreHide
Criteria The Meritorious Unit Commendation is awarded to units for exceptionally meritorious conduct in performance of outstanding services for at least six continuous months during a period of military operat... The Meritorious Unit Commendation is awarded to units for exceptionally meritorious conduct in performance of outstanding services for at least six continuous months during a period of military operations against an armed enemy on or after January 1, 1944. MoreHide
Description
84th Engineer Four (4) Meritorious Unit Commendations 1969 - 1970 serving in Vietnam
Criteria The Meritorious Unit Commendation is awarded to units for exceptionally meritorious conduct in performance of outstanding services for at least six continuous months during a period of military operat... The Meritorious Unit Commendation is awarded to units for exceptionally meritorious conduct in performance of outstanding services for at least six continuous months during a period of military operations against an armed enemy on or after January 1, 1944. MoreHide
Ardennes-Alsace 16 December1944 - 25 January 1945
Central Europe 22 March - 11 May 1945
Naples- Foggia (Ground) 9 September1943 - 21 January 1944
North Appennines 10 September 1944 - 4 April 1945
Rhineland 15 September 1944 - 21 March 1945
Rome-Arno 22 January - 9 Septembe 1944
Southern France 15 August - 14 September 1944
CAMPAIGN PARTICIPATION
KOREA
UN defensive
UN offensive
CCF intervention
First UN Counteroffensive
CCF spring-offensive
UN summer-fall offensive
Second Korean winter
Korea, summer-fall 1952
Third Korean winter
Korea, summer 1953
AWARDS & CITATIONS
BY ORDER OF THE SECRETARY OF THE ARMY:
G.H. DECKER,
General, United States Army,
Chief of staff
MERITORIOUS UNIT CITATION COMMENDATION:
(DA GO: Department of the Army General Order)
20 September 1950-March 1951, DA GO 77-51
18 November 1952-22 June 1953, DA GO 61-53
1 July 1953-27 July 1954, DA GO 77-54
DECORATIONS
Presidential Unit Citation (Navy), Streamer embroidered WONJU-HWACHOW
Meritorious Unit Commendation, Streamer embroidered KOREA
Meritorious Unit Commendation, Streamer embroidered
KOREA 1952-1953
Meritorious Unit Commendation, Streamer embroidered
KOREA 1953-1954
Meritorious Unit Commendation, Streamer embroidered PANMUNJOM
Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, Streamer embroidered IMJIN RIVER
June 1965-May-1966 DA GO 5, 69
1 June 1966-31 October 1967 DA GO 5, 69
1 November 1967-31 December 1968 DA GO 70, 69
1 January 1969-31-December 1969 DA GO 51, 71
General Orders # 666 25 February 1971 :
AWARD OF THE MERITORIOUS UNIT COMMENDATION
TC 439. the following AWARD is announced:
By direction of the Secretary of the Army, under the provision of paragraph203, AR 672-5-1, this Meritorious Unit Commendation (Sixth Oak Leaf cluster) is awarded to the following named units of the United states Army for exceptionally meritorious achievement in the performance of outstanding
service during the period indicated:
84th ENGINEER BATTALION (CONSTRUCTION) and its attached unit: 536th Engineer Detachment. (Port construction)
The citation reads as follows:
"The 84th ENGINEER BATTALION (CONSTRUCTION) and its attached unit distinguished themselves while in support of military operations in the Republic of Vietnam during the period 1 January 1969 to 31 December 1969. Demonstrating extraordinary diligence, tenacity and professional competence, the officers and men of the battalion provided outstanding
engineering support to Free World forces operating throughout Military Region 2. Through their undaunted perseverance and great personal sacrifice, unit personnel effectively countered the adversities of severe climatic conditions and the threat of enemy attack to complete all assigned tasks with a high degree of excellence. Significant among the numerous achievements produced by the members of the 84th ENGINEER BATTALION (CONSTRUCTION) were the completion of the AUTOSEVCON facility, the tandem switching building and the AMMO-OFF-LOADING facility at Qui Nhon harbor.
Sparing no effort, they contributed immeasurably to the Allied military effort in the Republic of Vietnam by conducting comprehensive training programs for South Vietnamese Army engineers. Through their uncommon initiative, resourcefulness and technical expertise, the battalion continuosly provided the finest in combat service support. The remarkable proficiency and devotion to duty displayed by the members of the 84th
ENGINEER BATTALION (CONSTRUCTION) are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflect distinct credit upon themselves, their unit, and the Armed Forces of the United States".
DECORATIONS
By order of the Secretary of the Army:
Verne L. Bowers
Major General, USA
The Adjutant General
Meritorious Unit Commendation, Streamer embroidered
VIETNAM 1965-1966
Meritorious Unit Commendation, Streamer embroidered VIETNAM 1966-1967
Meritorious Unit Commendation, Streamer embroidered VIETNAM 1967-1968
US Army Military History Institute
Department of the Army
United States Army War College
UNIT CITATION AND CAMPAIGN PARTICIPATION CREDIT REGISTER: (Headquarters, Department of the Army July 1961)
UNIT CITATION AND CAMPAIGN PARTICIPATION CREDIT REGISTER, VIETNAM WAR: (Source Headquarters, Department of the Army January 1973
Logistics Library Fort Lee, VA. 23801)
... 84th Engineer Battalion (Construction)
CAMPAIGNS, AWARDS, & UNIT CITATIONS,..
CAMPAIGN PARTICIPATION
WORLD WAR II
Ardennes-Alsace 16 December1944 - 25 January 1945
Central Europe 22 March - 11 May 1945
Naples- Foggia (Ground) 9 September1943 - 21 January 1944
North Appennines 10 September 1944 - 4 April 1945
Rhineland 15 September 1944 - 21 March 1945
Rome-Arno 22 January - 9 Septembe 1944
Southern France 15 August - 14 September 1944
CAMPAIGN PARTICIPATION
KOREA
UN defensive
UN offensive
CCF intervention
First UN Counteroffensive
CCF spring-offensive
UN summer-fall offensive
Second Korean winter
Korea, summer-fall 1952
Third Korean winter
Korea, summer 1953
AWARDS & CITATIONS
BY ORDER OF THE SECRETARY OF THE ARMY:
G.H. DECKER,
General, United States Army,
Chief of staff
MERITORIOUS UNIT CITATION COMMENDATION:
(DA GO: Department of the Army General Order)
20 September 1950-March 1951, DA GO 77-51
18 November 1952-22 June 1953, DA GO 61-53
1 July 1953-27 July 1954, DA GO 77-54
DECORATIONS
Presidential Unit Citation (Navy), Streamer embroidered WONJU-HWACHOW
Meritorious Unit Commendation, Streamer embroidered KOREA
Meritorious Unit Commendation, Streamer embroidered
KOREA 1952-1953
Meritorious Unit Commendation, Streamer embroidered
KOREA 1953-1954
Meritorious Unit Commendation, Streamer embroidered PANMUNJOM
Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, Streamer embroidered IMJIN RIVER
June 1965-May-1966 DA GO 5, 69
1 June 1966-31 October 1967 DA GO 5, 69
1 November 1967-31 December 1968 DA GO 70, 69
1 January 1969-31-December 1969 DA GO 51, 71
General Orders # 666 25 February 1971 :
AWARD OF THE MERITORIOUS UNIT COMMENDATION
TC 439. the following AWARD is announced:
By direction of the Secretary of the Army, under the provision of paragraph203, AR 672-5-1, this Meritorious Unit Commendation (Sixth Oak Leaf cluster) is awarded to the following named units of the United states Army for exceptionally meritorious achievement in the performance of outstanding
service during the period indicated:
84th ENGINEER BATTALION (CONSTRUCTION) and its attached unit: 536th Engineer Detachment. (Port construction)
The citation reads as follows:
"The 84th ENGINEER BATTALION (CONSTRUCTION) and its attached unit distinguished themselves while in support of military operations in the Republic of Vietnam during the period 1 January 1969 to 31 December 1969. Demonstrating extraordinary diligence, tenacity and professional competence, the officers and men of the battalion provided outstanding
engineering support to Free World forces operating throughout Military Region 2. Through their undaunted perseverance and great personal sacrifice, unit personnel effectively countered the adversities of severe climatic conditions and the threat of enemy attack to complete all assigned tasks with a high degree of excellence. Significant among the numerous achievements produced by the members of the 84th ENGINEER BATTALION (CONSTRUCTION) were the completion of the AUTOSEVCON facility, the tandem switching building and the AMMO-OFF-LOADING facility at Qui Nhon harbor.
Sparing no effort, they contributed immeasurably to the Allied military effort in the Republic of Vietnam by conducting comprehensive training programs for South Vietnamese Army engineers. Through their uncommon initiative, resourcefulness and technical expertise, the battalion continuosly provided the finest in combat service support. The remarkable proficiency and devotion to duty displayed by the members of the 84th
ENGINEER BATTALION (CONSTRUCTION) are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflect distinct credit upon themselves, their unit, and the Armed Forces of the United States".
DECORATIONS
By order of the Secretary of the Army:
Verne L. Bowers
Major General, USA
The Adjutant General
Meritorious Unit Commendation, Streamer embroidered
VIETNAM 1965-1966
Meritorious Unit Commendation, Streamer embroidered VIETNAM 1966-1967
Meritorious Unit Commendation, Streamer embroidered VIETNAM 1967-1968
US Army Military History Institute
Department of the Army
United States Army War College
UNIT CITATION AND CAMPAIGN PARTICIPATION CREDIT REGISTER: (Headquarters, Department of the Army July 1961)
UNIT CITATION AND CAMPAIGN PARTICIPATION CREDIT REGISTER, VIETNAM WAR: (Source Headquarters, Department of the Army January 1973
Logistics Library Fort Lee, VA. 23801)
Criteria The Meritorious Unit Commendation is awarded to units for exceptionally meritorious conduct in performance of outstanding services for at least six continuous months during a period of military operat... The Meritorious Unit Commendation is awarded to units for exceptionally meritorious conduct in performance of outstanding services for at least six continuous months during a period of military operations against an armed enemy on or after January 1, 1944. MoreHide
Criteria The Army Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members of the Army who distinguish themselves by exemplary behavior, efficiency and fidelity during a specified period of conti... The Army Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members of the Army who distinguish themselves by exemplary behavior, efficiency and fidelity during a specified period of continuous enlisted active service (normally three years in peacetime). MoreHide
Criteria The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspa... The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspace; or, for any period of service during the same time period in Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia or the air spaces thereover and in direct support of operations in Vietnam. MoreHide
Criteria Awarded by the Vietnam Government to military personnel who have accomplished deeds of valor or displayed heroic conduct while fighting the enemy and have been cited individually at the regiment, brig... Awarded by the Vietnam Government to military personnel who have accomplished deeds of valor or displayed heroic conduct while fighting the enemy and have been cited individually at the regiment, brigade, division, corps, or armed forces level. MoreHide
Criteria The Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross Colors) was authorized to be worn by units individually cited for service in military operations in support of the government of Sout... The Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross Colors) was authorized to be worn by units individually cited for service in military operations in support of the government of South Vietnam. The actions cited are for the same services that would have resulted in the award of a Valorous Unit Citation by the Army or a Navy Unit Citation. MoreHide
Criteria
The unit citation of the Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Medal was awarded certain units by the Vietnamese government for meritorious service during the period 1 March 1961 to 28 March 1974.
Description This campaign was from 1 May to 30 June 1970. This campaign was mainly concerned with the Allied incursion into Cambodia, codenamed Operation ROCK CRUSHER. As American withdrawal from South Vietnam prThis campaign was from 1 May to 30 June 1970. This campaign was mainly concerned with the Allied incursion into Cambodia, codenamed Operation ROCK CRUSHER. As American withdrawal from South Vietnam proceeded, increasing concern arose over the enemy's strength in the sanctuaries inside Cambodia. With the emergence in Cambodia of an antiCommunist government under Lon Nol, President Nixon relaxed the restrictions on moving against the bases inside Cambodia. Meanwhile, the North Vietnamese and Viet Cong began to move on the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh. At this juncture Lon Nol appealed to the United States for help. American and allied Vietnamese forces began large-scale offensives in Cambodia on 1 May. Eight major US Army and South Vietnamese operations took place in Cambodia in May and June with the object of cutting enemy communication lines, seizing the sanctuary areas and capturing the shadowy Central Office for South Vietnam (COSVN) described as the control center for enemy military operations against III CTZ.... More
People You Remember
Lt Whitworth from Tennesse Sgt Bevilles from Florida Rick Rogers from North Carolina
Memories
Fear, sadness and laughter. What emotions.
Description This campaign was from 1 November 1969 to 30 April 1970. An increase in enemy-initiated attacks, at the highest level since 4-5 September signaled the start of the first phase of the Communist winter This campaign was from 1 November 1969 to 30 April 1970. An increase in enemy-initiated attacks, at the highest level since 4-5 September signaled the start of the first phase of the Communist winter campaign. This was highlighted by intensified harassment incidents, and attacks throughout the Republic of Vietnam. In November-December these were heaviest in Corps Tactical Zones III and IV (around Saigon), primarily directed against Vietnamese military installations in order to disrupt the pacification program. The most significant enemy activity occurred in November with heavy attacks upon By Prang and Duc Lap in CTZ II (Central Vietnam).
By February 1970 the focus of enemy activity began to shift to CTZ I and II. Attacks increased steadily, reaching a peak in April 1970. Hostile forces staged their heaviest attacks in the Central Highlands near Civilian Irregular Defense Group camps at Dak Seang, Dak Pek, and Ben Het in I CTZ. The enemy also conducted numerous attacks by fire and several sapper attacks against U.S. fire support bases. This high level of enemy activity began in I CTZ in April and continued through May.
During the period 1 November 1969 through 30 April 1970 U.S. and allied forces concentrated on aggressive operations to find and destroy enemy main and local forces, the penetration of base camps and installations and the seizure of enemy supplies and materiel. These operations sought to deny the enemy the initiative and to inflict heavy losses in men and materiel. Further progress was made in Vietnamization through improving the Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces. As a result of these advances three brigades of the 1st U.S. Infantry Division and several major U.S.M.C. units were withdrawn from Vietnam during this period.
The enemy made several efforts to take the offensive at Dak Seang, which was attacked on 1 April 1970 and remained under siege throughout the month, and at Quang Duc in the By Prong-Duc Lap area which ended on 28 December. Only Vietnamese forces were engaged in both of these operations, the Quang Duc campaign involving some 12,000 ARVN troops. South Vietnamese forces again took the offensive on 14 April in a bold 3-day operation in the Angel's Wing area along the Cambodian border. The Vietnamese Army completed this mission in an aggressive professional manner without U.S. support-further evidence of their growing proficiency.... More
Criteria The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service... The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service during the current War on Terrorism. In addition, all members of the National Guard and Reserve who were part of the Selected Reserve in good standing between August 2, 1990, to November 30, 1995, are eligible for the National Defense Service Medal. In the case of Navy personnel, Midshipment attending the Naval Academy during the qualifying periods are eligible for this award, and Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) Midshipmen ae only eligible if they participated in a summer cruise that was in an area which qualified for a campaign medal. MoreHide
Criteria This medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who: 1. Served for 6 months in South Vietnam during the period 1 Mar 61 and 28 Mar 73; or 2. Served outside the geographical l... This medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who: 1. Served for 6 months in South Vietnam during the period 1 Mar 61 and 28 Mar 73; or 2. Served outside the geographical limits of South Vietnam and contributed direct combat support to the RVN Armed Forces for an aggregate of six months. Only members of the Armed Forces of the United States who meet the criteria established for the AFEM (Vietnam) or Vietnam Service Medal during the period of service required are considered to have contributed direct combat support to the RVN Armed Forces; or 3. Did not complete the length of service required in item (1) or (2) above, but who, during wartime, were: a. Wounded by the enemy (in a military action); b. Captured by the enemy during action or in the line of duty, but later rescued or released; or c. Killed in action or in the line of duty; or 4. Were assigned in Vietnam on 28 Jan 73, and who served a minimum of 60 calendar days in Vietnam during the period 29 Jan 73 to 28 Mar 73. MoreHide
Description This campaign was from 23 February to 8 June 1969. From Tet 1969 through the month of June, the enemy again tried to sustain an offensive. His inability to do so can be largely attributed to aggressiThis campaign was from 23 February to 8 June 1969. From Tet 1969 through the month of June, the enemy again tried to sustain an offensive. His inability to do so can be largely attributed to aggressive allied ground operations. Between 23 February and 8 June 1969, a total of 70 significant named ground operations were terminated resulting in heavy enemy loss of life and materiel. The main operations concluded during this period were:
(1). The 3d Marine Division's Operation KENTUCKY aimed at preventing enemy infiltration through the Demilitarized Zone in central Quang Tri Province. Throughout the early part of January 1969, Viet Cong/North Vietnamese Army forces continued to avoid major contacts with Free World Forces. Their continual movement to avoid friendly forces or to search for food and supplies contributed to a decrease in the enemy-initiated ground attacks and attacks-by-fire in Quang Tri Province.
(2). Operation NEVADA EAGLE, initiated on 17 May 1968 in Thua Thien Province, continued in 1969 as the U.S. 101st Airborne Division continued to defeat enemy personnel, and capture rice caches, material, and installations within its large area of operations, where it undertook offensive sweeps along Route 547 and around Song Bo.
(3). Two battalions of the 4th Marine Regiment were engaged in Operation SCOTLAND II. Initiated on 15 April 1968, this multi-battalion search and clear operation was centered in and around Khe Sanh.
(4). The IV Corps Tactical Zone Dry Weather Campaign began on 1 December 1968 in support of the overall mission to prevent Viet Cong units from interfering with pacification efforts. This operation, "Speedy Express," interdicted lines of enemy communication and denied him the use of base areas. In 1969 the 1st Brigade, 9th U.S. Infantry Division continued the operation in Dinh Tuong Province, using its highly successful night ambush tactics while the 2d Brigade continued its mission with the Mobile Riverine Force. Although engagements in Operation SPEEDY EXPRESS were typically small, the 9th Infantry Division fought several sizeable engagements with impressive results.
On 23 February U.S. Navy units and installations at Da Nang, Tan An, Ben Luc, Go Dan Ha, and Tra Cu came under numerous and widespread attacks associated with a new enemy offensive, but since many units in these areas were poised to meet these attacks they caused only minimal damage. April saw the heaviest cumulative enemy activity in the barrier interdiction camapign to date.... More
Description This campaign was from 30 January to 1 April 1968. On 29 January 1968 the Allies began the Tet-lunar new year expecting the usual 36-hour peaceful holiday truce. Because of the threat of a large-scaleThis campaign was from 30 January to 1 April 1968. On 29 January 1968 the Allies began the Tet-lunar new year expecting the usual 36-hour peaceful holiday truce. Because of the threat of a large-scale attack and communist buildup around Khe Sanh, the cease fire order was issued in all areas over which the Allies were responsible with the exception of the I CTZ, south of the Demilitarized Zone.
Determined enemy assaults began in the northern and Central provinces before daylight on 30 January and in Saigon and the Mekong Delta regions that night. Some 84,000 VC and North Vietnamese attacked or fired upon 36 of 44 provincial capitals, 5 of 6 autonomous cities, 64 of 242 district capitals and 50 hamlets. In addition, the enemy raided a number of military installations including almost every airfield. The actual fighting lasted three days; however Saigon and Hue were under more intense and sustained attack.
The attack in Saigon began with a sapper assault against the U.S. Embassy. Other assaults were directed against the Presidential Palace, the compound of the Vietnamese Joint General Staff, and nearby Ton San Nhut air base.
At Hue, eight enemy battalions infiltrated the city and fought the three U.S. Marine Corps, three U.S. Army and eleven South Vietnamese battalions defending it. The fight to expel the enemy lasted a month. American and South Vietnamese units lost over 500 killed, while VC and North Vietnamese battle deaths may have been somewhere between 4,000 and 5,000.
Heavy fighting also occurred in two remote regions: around the Special Forces camp at Dak To in the central highlands and around the U.S. Marines Corps base at Khe Sanh. In both areas, the allies defeated attempts to dislodge them. Finally, with the arrival of more U.S. Army troops under the new XXIV Corps headquarters to reinforce the marines in the northern province, Khe Sanh was abandoned.
Tet proved a major military defeat for the communists. It had failed to spawn either an uprising or appreciable support among the South Vietnamese. On the other hand, the U.S. public became discouraged and support for the war was seriously eroded. U.S. strength in South Vietnam totaled more than 500,000 by early 1968. In addition, there were 61,000 other allied troops and 600,000 South Vietnamese.
The Tet Offensive also dealt a visibly severe setback to the pacification program, as a result of the intense fighting needed to root out VC elements that clung to fortified positions inside the towns. For example, in the densely populated delta there had been approximately 14,000 refugees in January; after Tet some 170,000 were homeless. The requirement to assist these persons seriously inhibited national recovery efforts.... More
Rick Rogers
Terry Tucker
LTC Wells