Post by Anonymous Vet on Dec 2, 2003 8:30:48 GMT -5
Awards and decorations
199th named valorous unit
CAMP FRENZELL-JONES, (l99th INF) - The 199th Light Infantry Brigade was presented the Valorous Unit Award for extraordinary heroism during the Tet period battles from Jan. 31 to Feb. 19 1967.
It is the first award given to the brigade as a unit since it was formed in July, 1966, and began combat operations here in January, 1967.
Fastening the commemorative streamer to brigade colors at a formal ceremony at the main base camp here was General Creighton Abrams, commanding general, U.S. Forces, Vietnam.
The citation said, "In the early morning hours on Jan. 31, insurgent forces launched savage attacks against Long Binh by firing rockets at II Field Force Vietnam and Bien Hoa Air Base. Brigade artillery promptly and effectively reacted to the attack, destroying two rocket bases and silencing the rest with a voluminous barrage.
"Thwarted in this aspect of their attempt, the Viet Cong then initiated well-organized and determined attacks upon Long Binh and the base camp of the brigade. In response clerks, cooks, mechanics and other support troops of the 199th Infantry Brigade manned the unit's perimeter while maneuver elements aggressively engaged and pursued enemy forces.
"During the fighting at Long Binh, the brigade's firepower and indomitable spirit were instrumental in depriving concentrated enemy forces of progression into the city of Saigon. The resourcefulness and tactical expertise of unit commanders enabled units to retain constant contact with the insurgents and inflict numerous casualties which totally demoralized the enemy and destroyed his initiative. "
The Valorous Unit Award is made to U.S. Army units for heroic combat action since August, 1963. It consists of a gold bordered red background centered by a vertical red stripe with several blue and white stripes on each side, and is worn above the right breast pocket of the dress uniform.
The Army Reporter, October 1968
199th named valorous unit
CAMP FRENZELL-JONES, (l99th INF) - The 199th Light Infantry Brigade was presented the Valorous Unit Award for extraordinary heroism during the Tet period battles from Jan. 31 to Feb. 19 1967.
It is the first award given to the brigade as a unit since it was formed in July, 1966, and began combat operations here in January, 1967.
Fastening the commemorative streamer to brigade colors at a formal ceremony at the main base camp here was General Creighton Abrams, commanding general, U.S. Forces, Vietnam.
The citation said, "In the early morning hours on Jan. 31, insurgent forces launched savage attacks against Long Binh by firing rockets at II Field Force Vietnam and Bien Hoa Air Base. Brigade artillery promptly and effectively reacted to the attack, destroying two rocket bases and silencing the rest with a voluminous barrage.
"Thwarted in this aspect of their attempt, the Viet Cong then initiated well-organized and determined attacks upon Long Binh and the base camp of the brigade. In response clerks, cooks, mechanics and other support troops of the 199th Infantry Brigade manned the unit's perimeter while maneuver elements aggressively engaged and pursued enemy forces.
"During the fighting at Long Binh, the brigade's firepower and indomitable spirit were instrumental in depriving concentrated enemy forces of progression into the city of Saigon. The resourcefulness and tactical expertise of unit commanders enabled units to retain constant contact with the insurgents and inflict numerous casualties which totally demoralized the enemy and destroyed his initiative. "
The Valorous Unit Award is made to U.S. Army units for heroic combat action since August, 1963. It consists of a gold bordered red background centered by a vertical red stripe with several blue and white stripes on each side, and is worn above the right breast pocket of the dress uniform.
The Army Reporter, October 1968