Meritorious Unit Commendation

The Secretary of the Navy takes pleasure in presenting the
MERITORIOUS UNIT COMMENDATION
To
FIRST AMPHIBIAN TRACTOR BATTALION
THIRD MARINE DIVISION (REINFORCED), FLEET MARINE FORCE
for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

For meritorious service in close combat against the North Vietnamese Army and insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam, from 26 August to 9 December 1968. When the First Marine Regiment was deployed from the Napoleon/Saline II Tactical Area of Responsibility, the operational control of the area was assigned to the First Amphibian Tractor Battalion because of its versatility and competency. This assigned area of approximately thirty-two square miles encompassed some fourteen miles of river and waterways, eighteen miles of desert, and additional broken land ideally suited for harboring enemy ambush and sapper units. By conduction 543 day patrols and 675 night patrols, the battalion was instrumental in killing 3,476 of the enemy and capturing 613 individual weapons as well as 19 crew-served weapons. In addition to performing duties of an infantry unit, the battalion carried out an intensive and conclusive combined action program which resulted in a highly proficient integrated Marine and Popular Force provisional rifle company. The "can do" attitude of the officers and men of the First Amphibian Tractor Battalion earned them the name "AmGrunts" (Amphibian Tractor Infantrymen). Through effective teamwork, aggressive fighting spirit, and the many individual acts of bravery, the First Amphibian Tractor Battalion, together with supporting Marine and Army 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.

For the Secretary of the Navy,
Commandant of the Marine Corps

ADDENDUM PAGE TO THE CITATION OF THE MERITORIOUS UNIT COMMENDATION TO FIRST AMPHIBIOUS TRACTOR BATTALION, THIRD MARINE DIVISION, 26Aug68 - 9Dec68.

UNITS ENTITLED TO THE AWARD AND THE INCLUSIVE DATES OF AWARD
ATTACHED AND SUPPORTING UNITS