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Admiral
Elmo "Bud" Russell Zumwalt, Jr., Meritorious
Unit Commendation
The
Secretary of the Navy takes pleasure in presenting the MERITORIOUS UNIT COMMENDATION to USS
BERKELEY (DDG-15) for
service as set forth in the following CITATION:
For
meritorious service in combat operations in Southeast Asia from 22 April to 28 October
1972, as a unit of the United States SEVENTH Fleet. After deploying on a three-day notice,
three months ahead of schedule, USS BERKELEY distinguished herself by outstanding
performance of duty as a unit providing naval gunfire support to Republic of Vietnam
forces ashore. Her timely and accurate gunfire played a significant role in halting the
North Vietnamese spring offensive. During fifty-seven days on the "gunline",
BERKELEY completed 122 missions, firing over 7,000 rounds of ammunition which inflicted
heavy damage on the enemy. While attached to Task Group 77.1, BERKELEY conducted strikes
against enemy supply routes and stowage areas in North Vietnam. These strikes, often
conducted under intense hostile fire, were important in impeding the flow of enemy troops
and supplies to the Republic of Vietnam. During one fourteen-day period, BERKELEY's combat
teams detected and destroyed thirty waterborne logistic craft attempting to land supplies
in North Vietnam. The determination and aggressiveness of the officers and men of USS
BERKELEY reflected credit upon themselves and their ship and were in keeping with the
highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. For
the Secretary, |
