| 1. During her recent
deployment to the Western Pacific, the Officers and Men of the USS WADDELL
demonstrated their abilities in performing all assigned missions in a
highly competent and efficient manner. WADDELL was commended by
COMDESRON NINETEEN for her high state of readiness in being able to get
underway from Subic Bay, Philippine Islands, on less than six hours
notice. During her deployment, WADDELL provided lethal naval gunfire
support in the I Corps Area of South Vietnam from 20-21 March and again on
22 April; provided support to U.S. Marine ground operations near the
Demilitarized Zone during Operation Beacon Hill One on 22, 25-29 March
1967; and participated in the hazardous Sea Dragon Operations off the
coast of North Vietnam, shelling enemy coastal sites, river choke points,
and water-borne logistic craft during the periods 24, 29 March through 5
April, and 14-21 April 1967. The results of Waddell's efforts was
the cratering of highway approaches, the destruction of two radar sites,
and one mortar emplacement, the blockage of river choke points, the
destruction of two defense areas and staging areas, and sinking of sixteen
water-borne logistic craft. During the latter part of her
deployment, WADDELL acted as an escort and rescue under for the attack
aircraft carriers USS KITTY HAWK (CVA-63), USS BON HOMME RICHARD (CVA-31)
ad USS TICONDEROGA (CVA-14).
2. On 6 April 1967 WADDELL came under severe enemy
coastal gunfire from North Vietnamese defense sites. The quick
response of the crew led to WADDELL receiving only superficial damage from
shrapnel with no personnel casualties while at the same time inflicting
damage on the enemy.
3. For WADDELL's performance in the Tonkin Gulf,
Rear Admiral Mark W. Woods, Commander, Cruiser-Destroyer Group WESTPAC
commended WADDELL for her excellent performance as a plane guard, for her
"accurate naval gunfire support," and her "rapid response in support of
COMDESRON NINETEEN." He further added that "as Sea Dragon unit,
(WADDELL) added luster to the already shining reputation of destroyermen
in the Western Pacific."
4. As WADDELL's Commanding Officer, it is with
great pride that I commend you as a member of the Ship's Company for your
high state of professionalism and devotion to duty demonstrated while
WADDELL met each of its commitments during her recent deployment.
5. An official copy of the commendation will be
entered in your service record.
G. J. WALKER |
