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med23

CHIEF OF NAVAL OPERATIONS
The Secretary of the Navy takes pleasure in presenting the
MERITORIOUS UNIT COMMENDATION to
LANDING SHIP SQUADRON TWO

for service as set forth in the following citation:

For meritorious service from 1 September 1968 through 1 May 1969 in providing armed logistic support throughout Southeast Asia and, specifically, in the hostile environment of the Mekong Delta region of the Republic of Vietnam. In support of the allied effort in Vietnam, Landing Ship Squadron TWO served under the operations control of Commander, Military Sea Transportation Service, Far East. The ships of the squadron demonstrated exemplary navigational and piloting ability on the rivers of the Mekong Delta and in its contiguous waters during frequent enemy attacks, and responded appropriately to the challenge. The professional skill, diligence, foresightedness, and dedication of all squadron personnel were factors which contributed significantly to the exceptional performance of the unit. These factors, along with the highly effective assistance rendered in connection with Vietnamese Navy Training Program, support of the Mobile Riverine Force, and a successful people-to-people program, distinguished Landing Ship Squadron TWO as a consistently outstanding unit of the fleet. The superb performance of the squadron’s officers and men reflects great credit upon themselves, their ships, and the United States Naval Service.

All personnel attached to and serving with Landing Ship Squadron TWO during the above-designated period, or any part thereof, are hereby authorized to wear the Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon.

J. A. Jardine
[ Most likely not the original signer of the citation ]

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NOTE – The dates above may be broader than what is indicated in this citation as this text was re-typed from an award letter to the USS Luzerne County for her participation. This was part of the letter provided to the ship’s crew of the USS Luzerne County (LST-902):

2. The USS LUZERNE COUNTY was assigned to Landing Ship Squadron TWO during the period of 1 September 1968 to 1 May 1969. All personnel permanently assigned to USS LUZERNE COUNTY are authorized to wear the Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon.

I found a notation on the Internet stating that the following ships were part of the squadron. This is unofficial except for the Luzerne County:

LANDING SHIP SQUADRON TWO:
USS HICKMAN (LST-825)
USS MONMOUTH (LST-1032)
USS MADERA (LST-905)
USS LUZERNE (LST-902)
USS CADDO PARRISH (LST-515)

If you would like to contact the Chief of Naval Operations they will most likely be able to send you a copy of the citation for both dates listed for Landing Ship Squadron TWO. If you do so then please contact me as I would like a quality copy of both. My email address is on the main awards page below:

Chief of Naval Operations
Awards and Special Projects (Code N09B33)
2000 Navy Pentagon
Washington DC 20350-2000