for service as set forth in the following CITATION:

For valorous achievement in action against enemy North Vietnamese Army forces during engagements on Go Noi Island. Quang Nam Province, Republic of Vietnam, from 17 to 28 May 1968. Ordered to insert two companies and a command group into an area in the southern portion of Go Noi to relieve one of its own companies which had been inserted two days before, and which was engaged in heavy fighting with an estimated enemy battalion, the Third Battalion, Twenty-Seventh Marines commenced a heliborne assault at 1500 on 17 May 1968. Immediately upon landing, the battalion was taken under heavy enemy mortar fire and, despite numerous friendly casualties, launched a series of assaults to reach the besieged company. Intensive enemy mortar, small-arms, and automatic weapons fire was encountered as the battalion aggressively moved forward in an attempt to link up with friendly forces. Only after fierce fighting, which lasted well into the night, did the enemy withdraw, allowing elements of the two forces to join. Relentlessly pursuing the enemy, the battalion continued to sweep the island, engaging North Vietnamese Army units on three more occasions and defeating them each time after fierce fighting and intensive use of tanks, artillery, and close air support resulting in the death of 225 of the enemy. Supported by Marine aviation units and artillery, the men of the Third Battalion, Twenty-seventh Marines, were materially instrumental in the clearing of the island of organized resistance, relieved the pressure on friendly units, and set an inspiring example for our own and allied forces. Through their effective teamwork, aggressive fighting spirit, and the many individual acts of bravery, the men of the Third Battalion, Twenty-seventh Marines, together with supporting Marine units, dealt the enemy a severe blow and in so doing demonstrated those qualities of valor and professional skill which were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.

All personnel serving with the Third Battalion, Twenty - seventh Marines and the following attached units during the period 17 - 28 May 1968 are hereby authorized to wear the MERITORIOUS UNIT COMMENDATION Ribbon.

        Detachment, Battery F, 2d Battalion, 13th Marines

        Detachment, 1st Shore Party Battalion

        Detachment, Company C, 1st Tank Battalion

        Detachment, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion

        Detachment, 1st Engineer Battalion

                                                     For the Secretary of the Navy,

                                                     Leonard F. Chapman, Jr.

                                                     Commandant of the Marine Corps