For meritorious service in the Republic of Vietnam from 16 September 1967 to 1 September 1968. At this time the Battalion supported the First Marine Divsion, the 196th and 198th Light Infrantry Brigades and the Second Korean Marine Brigade. While in direct support, elements of the Battalion participated in 29 named operations which included DRAGONFIRE, MAMELUKE THRUST and ALLENBROOK. This participation consisted of convoy escort, search and destroy, reaction force, resupply, blocking force and medical evacuation missions. The Battalion also actively aided in land clearing operations during construction of the Da Nang barrier. In addition the Battalion relocated during this period and established a new precedent for the First Marine Division, as it was the first time that a supporting unit was assigned an Area of Responsibility tasked to provide such type security. The AOR assigned was one of the most strategic in the Da Nang area in that it included four mountains which are the prominent terrain features in east Da Nang, the strategic U.S. Naval Transmitter and security requirements within the AOR, the men of the Battalion had to far exceed the tasks normally assigned to a support unit. The personnel performed the normal support during the day and provided security for the Marlbe Mountain vital area complex at night through active combat patrols in contact with the enemy. Three enemy offenses were triggered in and just adjacent to the Battalion's AOR. By their effective teamwork, aggressive fighting and individual acts of heroism and daring, the men of the Third Amphibion Tractor Battalion successfully repelled the enemy offensives and prevented them from firing mortars or rockets from their AOR onto the Da Nang vital area or airfield.

All personnel attached to and serving with the following units of the Third Amphibian Tractor Battalion during the period 16 September 1967 to 1 September 1968, or any part thereof, are hereby authorized to wear the MERITORIOUS UNIT COMMENDATION Ribbon.

Headquarters and Service Company, Company A, Company B.

For the Secretary of the Navy,