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By virtue of the authority vested in me as President of the United States and as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the United States, I have today awarded

THE PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION (NAVY)
FOR EXTRAORDINARY HEROISM TO
The United States Navy Element of the
MOBILE RIVERINE FORCE (TASK FORCE 117)

For extraordinary heroism and outstanding performance of duty from 25 January through 5 July 1969 while engaged in armed conflict against enemy forces in the Mekong Delta region of the Republic of Vietnam. With enemy forces planning to launch a large-scale, winter-spring offensive against Saigon and other cities of the upper Mekong Delta, the ships and assault craft of Task Force 117 provided waterborne mobile support to United States Army, Vietnamese Army, and Vietnamese Marine Corps troops. By riverine assault operations preempting enemy offensive operations, the Force made a significant contribution to thwarting the threat to Saigon and the Mekong Delta. Surprise attacks and routine fire fights on the narrow streams and canals were an almost daily occurrence, while rocket and mining attacks against the Mobile Riverine Bases were an ever present danger. The courage and determination of Task Force 117 personnel contributed significantly to the successful completion of each Force objective. The skill, fortitude, perseverance, and sustained outstanding performance of the officers and men of the United States Navy Element of the Mobile Riverine Force reflected great credit upon themselves and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Richard Nixon

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Units cited for this Operation (Giant Slingshot)
River Assault Flotilla ONE (25 Jan 69 - 05 Jul 69)
River Support Squadron 7 (25 Jan 69 - 05 Jul 69)
River Assault Squadron 9 (25 Jan 69 - 10 Jun 69)
River Assault Squadron 11 (25 Jan 69 - 27 Jun 69)
River Assault Squadron 13 (25 Jan 69 - 27 Jun 69)
River Assault Squadron 15 (25 Jan 69 - 27 Jun 69)
USS BENEWAH (APB 35) (25 Jan 69 - 02 Mar 69)
USS COLLETON (APB 36) (25 Jan 69 - 19 Jun 69)
USS MERCER (APB 39) (25 Jan 69 - 05 Jul 69)
USS NUECES (APB 40) (25 Jan 69 - 05 Jul 69)
USS SATYR (ARL 23) (25 Jan 69 - 21 Apr 69)
USS SPHINX (ARL 24) (25 Jan 69 - 19 Jun 69)
USS HAMPSHIRE COUNTY (LST 819) (25 Jan 69 - 19 Apr 69)
USS IREDELL COUNTY (LST 839) (25 Jan 69 - 15 Feb 69)
USS SEDGWICK  COUNTY (LST 1123) (23 Apr 69 - 06 May 69)
USS VERNON COUNTY (LST 1161) (28 Feb 69 - 25 Mar 69)
USS WHITFIELD COUNTY (LST 1169) (08 May 69 - 05 Jul 69)
USS WINDHAM COUNTY (LST 1170) (25 Mar 69 - 10 May 69)
Landing Craft Repair Ship (APL 26) (25 Mar 69 - 10 May 69)
Landing Craft Repair Ship (APL 30) (25 Jan 69 - 10 Jun 69)
YTB 784 (25 Jan 69 - 10 Jun 69)
YTB 785 (25 Jan 69 - 10 Jun 69)
EOD Team 38 (25 Jan 69 - 04 Mar 69)
EOD Team 39 (25 Jan 69 - 05 Jul 69)
EOD Team 44 (25 Jan 69 - 05 Jul 69)
EOD Team 45 (25 Jan 69 - 04 Mar 69)
Underwater Demolition Team 11, Detachment G (25 Jan 69 - 10 Feb 69)
Underwater Demolition Team 13, Detachment G (25 Jan 69 - 10 Feb 69)
Underwater Demolition Team 13, Detachment H (10 Feb 69 - 05 Jul 69)