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DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY -- NAVAL HISTORICAL CENTER
805 KIDDER BREESE SE -- WASHINGTON NAVY YARD
WASHINGTON DC 20374-5060

Domican Republic Intervention, 1965

Navy Unit Commendation

THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY
Washington

The Secretary of the Navy takes pleasure in commending the following commands and units:

Commander and Staff Amphibious Squadron TEN
Tactical Air Control Squadron TWENTY-TWO, Detachment INDIA
USS BOXER (LPH-4) with nucleus JT-122 Staff embarked
USS FORT SNELLING (LSD-30)
USS RALEIGH (LPD-1)
USS WOOD COUNTY (LST-1178)
USS RUCHAMKIN (APD-89)
USS YANCY (AKA-93)
USS RANKIN (AKA-103)
6th Marine Expeditionary Unit
Marine Corps Security Guard, American Embassy, Santo Domingo

for services as set forth in the following

CITATION:

For exceptionally meritorious service from 26 through 30 April 1965 in connection with the Dominican Republic crisis. Arriving off the coast of Santo Domingo on 26 April 1965, ships and Marines of Amphibious Squadron TEN commenced the mass embarkation and evacuation of over 1,000 United States civilian nationals and other refugees, among whom were large numbers of women and children from the Dominican Republic. As the situation on shore worsened, Commander Joint Task Force-122 landed combat Marines of the 6th Marine Expeditionary Unit to guarantee the safety of evacuees and for the protection of U.S. and foreign property. This major amphibious operation, introducing the first combat troops into the Dominican Republic, was smoothly conducted and all objectives achieved with minimal loss of life. The fact that the entire evacuation and troop landing operations were successfully conducted in the face of unusual conditions and obstacles, is a tribute to the dedication of all personnel involved and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

All personnel attached to and serving on board any of the above designated units during the period 26 through 30 April 1965 are here by authorized to wear the Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon.

Secretary of the Navy

Source: Ringler, Jack K. U.S. Marine Corps Operations in the Dominican Republic, April-June 1965. (Washington: Historical Division, Headquarters US Marine Corps, 1992): 109-110.