Criteria The Air Force Commendation Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States below the grade of Brigadier General who, while serving in any capacity with the Air Force, distingu... The Air Force Commendation Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States below the grade of Brigadier General who, while serving in any capacity with the Air Force, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service not of a sufficient nature to justify a higher award. MoreHide
Comments Airman 1st class Britton distinquished himself by metitorious service as a Security Sentry, for 35th and 366th AF Security force Squadrons , Phan Rang Air Base, Republic of Vietnam from 29 March 1966 ... Airman 1st class Britton distinquished himself by metitorious service as a Security Sentry, for 35th and 366th AF Security force Squadrons , Phan Rang Air Base, Republic of Vietnam from 29 March 1966 to 9 February 1967. During this period, Airman Britton's outstanding professional skill and initiative aided immeasurabley in identifying and solving numberous problems encountered in the accomplishment of his duties. The energetic application of his knowledge has played a significant role in contributing to the success of the United States Air force mission in Southeast Asia. this distinctive accomplishments of Airman Britton reflect credit upon himself and the United States Airforce MoreHide
Criteria The Presidential Unit Citation may be awarded to units of the Armed Forces of the United States and cobelligerent nations for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy occurring on or aft... The Presidential Unit Citation may be awarded to units of the Armed Forces of the United States and cobelligerent nations for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy occurring on or after December 7, 1941. MoreHide
Description
Award given to Phan Rang AB, Vietnam 35th APS/SPS between the following dates: 10 Oct 1966 - 31 July 1971.
Criteria The Outstanding Unit Award may be awarded by the Secretary of the Air Force to numbered units such as Air Forces, Air Divisions, Wings, Groups, and Squadrons and to Medical Facilities such as hospital... The Outstanding Unit Award may be awarded by the Secretary of the Air Force to numbered units such as Air Forces, Air Divisions, Wings, Groups, and Squadrons and to Medical Facilities such as hospitals, clinics, and medical centers (whether or not they are numbered) for exceptionally meritorious service or exceptionally outstanding achievement that clearly sets the unit above and apart from similar units. Heroism may be involved, but is not essential. MoreHide
Description
Award given to Phan Rang AB, Vietnam 35th APS/SPS between the following dates: 10 Oct 1966 - 31 July 1971.
Criteria The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service... The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service during the current War on Terrorism. In addition, all members of the National Guard and Reserve who were part of the Selected Reserve in good standing between August 2, 1990, to November 30, 1995, are eligible for the National Defense Service Medal. In the case of Navy personnel, Midshipment attending the Naval Academy during the qualifying periods are eligible for this award, and Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) Midshipmen ae only eligible if they participated in a summer cruise that was in an area which qualified for a campaign medal. MoreHide
Comments
Served in a foriegn country for National Security
Criteria The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspa... The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspace; or, for any period of service during the same time period in Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia or the air spaces thereover and in direct support of operations in Vietnam. MoreHide
Criteria The Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross Colors) was authorized to be worn by units individually cited for service in military operations in support of the government of Sout... The Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross Colors) was authorized to be worn by units individually cited for service in military operations in support of the government of South Vietnam. The actions cited are for the same services that would have resulted in the award of a Valorous Unit Citation by the Army or a Navy Unit Citation. MoreHide
Description
US ARMED FORCES MEMBERS WHO SERVED IN VIETNAM BETWEEN 1962 - 1973 ARE AUTHORIZED TO WEAR THE RVN GALLANTRY CROSS UNIT CITATION
Criteria This medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who: 1. Served for 6 months in South Vietnam during the period 1 Mar 61 and 28 Mar 73; or 2. Served outside the geographical l... This medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who: 1. Served for 6 months in South Vietnam during the period 1 Mar 61 and 28 Mar 73; or 2. Served outside the geographical limits of South Vietnam and contributed direct combat support to the RVN Armed Forces for an aggregate of six months. Only members of the Armed Forces of the United States who meet the criteria established for the AFEM (Vietnam) or Vietnam Service Medal during the period of service required are considered to have contributed direct combat support to the RVN Armed Forces; or 3. Did not complete the length of service required in item (1) or (2) above, but who, during wartime, were: a. Wounded by the enemy (in a military action); b. Captured by the enemy during action or in the line of duty, but later rescued or released; or c. Killed in action or in the line of duty; or 4. Were assigned in Vietnam on 28 Jan 73, and who served a minimum of 60 calendar days in Vietnam during the period 29 Jan 73 to 28 Mar 73. MoreHide
Comments
Awarded by the Republic of Vietnam for service to their country
Best Friends
Jeff Metz, David Sims, Mac Griffith, Don Poss, Joseph Matto
Best Moment
I received a AF Commendation Medal with Citation for this AFSC/MOS(CSG) in 1966.
I received a Presidential Unit Citation in 1966-6967
I received an AF Outstanding Unit Award with a Combat "V" Device in 1966-1967.
Worst Moment
Being out of contact with anyone for two days.
Chain of Command
Msgt Koenig, Tsgt Kicker, Major Eggleston
Other Memories
2017-PTSD-Working on these unknown areas as I write (Theraphy Classes).
Criteria The United States Air Force awards a single ribbon, known as the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, for an expert qualification on either the M-16 rifle, M-4 carbine or the individuals AFSC's (dut... The United States Air Force awards a single ribbon, known as the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, for an expert qualification on either the M-16 rifle, M-4 carbine or the individuals AFSC's (duty) designated handgun weapon. The ribbon is issued in only one degree; however, a bronze service star may be worn on the ribbon for those who have qualified expert on both the service rifle and handgun. MoreHide
Description This period was from March 2, 1965-January 30, 1966.
On June 29. I966. the USAF bombed petroleum storage and distribution facilities for the first time in the immediate vicinity of Hanoi and Haiphong,This period was from March 2, 1965-January 30, 1966.
On June 29. I966. the USAF bombed petroleum storage and distribution facilities for the first time in the immediate vicinity of Hanoi and Haiphong, after political leaders authorized limited and specific strikes within the buffer zones for these cities. Gen. William W. Momyer replaced General Moore as Seventh Air Force Commander on July l. The United States expanded the Rotuwo Tittmou campaign as of July 9 to include petroleum targets in the northeast and rail lines and highways between China and Hanoi. although the buffer zone on the border limited targets. American aircraft also flew armed reconnaissance over North Vietnam.
On July 30. 1966. the USAF bombed targets in the dernilitariaed zone (DMZ) to counter the build-up of North Vietnamese forces there. By September the U.S. air campaign against North Vietnam had destroyed or damaged two-thirds of the enemy's petroleum storage capacity. several thousand trucks and watercraft. hundreds of rail cars and bridges. and numerous ammunition and supply storage areas. Beginning on February 14. I967. USAF aircraft hit additional strategic targets in North Vietnam, knocking out major power plants. and railyard repair facilities. But these results had little effect on the enemy's ability to carry on the war. because the country possessed only a small industrial base and imported most of its military materiel. In the face of extensive air attacks. North Vietnam further strengthened it's air defenses. By January 1967, the United States had lost 45 aircraft within 2 years. Anti-aircraft guns and SAMs accounted for most of the losses. but MiGs continued to challenge U.S. air strikes.
On January 2 the Seventh Air Force enticed a large MiG-2| force over North Vietnam into battle against F-4s. The USAF pilots destroyed 7 MiGs within 12 minutes without a loss. Four days later. On January 6. the Seventh destroyed 2 more MiGs. and the North Vietnamese temporarily abandoned aerial combat to regroup and retrain. In South Vietnam Allied forces continued search and destroy operations. blunting new Viet Cong and North Vietnamese offensives. Between July 14 and August 4, 1966. U.S. Marines and South Vietnamese troops battled North Vietnam Army forces near Quang Tri. 20 miles south of the DMZ. Later. between October I5 and November 26. the Allies engaged in a major battle with Viet Cong and NVA forces northwest of Tay Ninh. near the Cambodian border. 60 miles northwest of Saigon. Enemy resistance was light at first. but on November 4. as ARVN and U.S. troops approached storage areas, the Viet Cong and NVA counterattaclted. The Allies responded by airlifting more troops. including elements of the U.S. Army’s 1st. 4th, and 25th Infantry Divisions. and the l73rd Airborne Brigade. The USAF provided close air suppon. and between November 8 and 25. B-52s bombed targets in the area. The Allies drove the enemy from the region temporarily. seizing weapons. ammunition. food. and other supplies that the Communist forces left behind.
The next year. between Febmary and May I967, U.S. Army units joined ARVN forces to retum to Tay Ninh Province, about $0 miles north of Saigon and 15 miles northeast of Tay Ninh. Seventh Air Force C-l30s drtmped American paratroopers near the Cambodian border to cut off the Viet Cong retreat. The airlifters also flew reinforcements and supplies to the ground troops during this operation. With the help of forward air controllers flying O-1s. Air Force F-I00 and F-4 pilots provided close air support. and AC-47 gunship crews illuminated targets and conducted air strikes at night. Again, the enemy withdrew into Cambodia. leaving behind weapons. supplies. and ammunition.
In the panhandle of Laos, the USAF pounded enemy forces on the Ho Chi Minh Trail. while in northem Laos U.S. pilots supported Allied forces under attack. By August 1966 Laotian troops fighting Pathet Lao insurgents had advanced. with the aid of U.S. close air support. to Nam Bac. only 45 miles west of the North Vietnamese border and about 55 miles northeast of Luang Prabang. an ancient city on the Mekong River some 130 miles north of Vientiane. The Laotian gains were short lived, however, and by February 2. I967. the insurgents had regained lost territory and were in a position to attack the airfield at Luang Prabang.... More
Memories Campaigns: The Department of Defense established thirty military campaigns during the Vietnam War. FCampaigns: The Department of Defense established thirty military campaigns during the Vietnam War. For those service members participating in one or more campaigns, a service star is authorized on the Vietnam Service Medal. Silver service stars are issued in lieu of five bronze. Some campaigns apply to all of the military services while others are specific to a particular branch of the U.S. Armed Forces (the United States Marine Corps is considered part of the Navy and is eligible only for Navy campaigns). The exception to this rule is Operation Frequent Wind. The arrowhead device is authorized for campaign participation which involved an aerial or amphibious assault. The Fleet Marine Force combat operation insignia is also authorized for certain sailors. The following are the established combat campaigns authorized for service stars to the Vietnam Service Medal. Vietnam Initial Advisory Campaign (USAF): from 1961-11-15 to 1965-03-01 Vietnam Advisory Campaign (Army, Navy, USCG): from 1962-03-15 to 1965-03-07 Vietnam Defense Campaign (Army, Navy USCG): from 1965-03-08 to 1965-12-24 Vietnam Air Defensive Campaign (USAF): from 1965-03-02 to 1966-01-30 Vietnam Counteroffensive (Army, Navy, USCG): from 1965-12-25 to 1966-06-30 Vietnam Air Counteroffensive (USAF): from 1966-01-31 to 1966-06-28 Vietnam Air Offensive (USAF): from 1966-06-29 to 1967-03-08 Vietnam Counteroffensive, Phase II (Army, Navy, USCG): from 1966-07-01 to 1967-05-31 Vietnam Air Offensive, Phase II (USAF): from 1967-03-09 to 1968-03-31 Vietnam Counteroffensive, Phase III (Army, Navy, USCG): from 1967-06-01 to 1968-01-29 Vietnam Air/Ground Campaign (USAF): from 1968-01-22 to 1968-07-07 Tet Counteroffensive (Army, USAF, Navy, USCG): from 1968-01-30 to 1968-04-01 Vietnam Air Offensive, Phase III (USAF): from 1968-04-01 to 1968-10-31 Vietnam Counteroffensive, Phase IV (Army, Navy, USCG): from 1968-04-02 to 1968-06-30 Vietnam Counteroffensive, Phase V (Army, Navy, USCG): from 1968-07-01 to 1968-11-01 Vietnam Air Offensive, Phase IV (USAF): from 1968-11-01 to 1969-02-22 Vietnam Counteroffensive, Phase VI (Army, Navy, USCG): from 1968-11-02 to 1969-02-22 Tet 1969 Counteroffensive (Army, USAF, USCG): from 1969-02-23 to 1969-06-08 Vietnam Summer-Fall 1969 (Army, Navy, USAF, USCG): from 1969-06-09 to 1969-10-31 Vietnam Winter-Spring 1970 (Army, Navy, USAF, USCG): from 1969-11-01 to 1970-04-30 Sanctuary Counteroffensive (Army, Navy, USAF, USCG): from 1970-05-01 to 1970-06-30 Counteroffensive, Phase VII Army �?? 1 July 1970 - 30 June 1971 Southwest Monsoon (USAF): from 1970-07-01 to 1970-11-30 Vietnam Counteroffensive, Phase VII (Army, Navy, USCG): from 1970-07-01 to 1971-06-30 Commando Hunt V (USAF): from 1970-12-01 to 1971-05-14 Commando Hunt VI (USAF): from 1971-05-15 to 1971-10-31 Consolidation I (Army, Navy, USCG): from 1971-07-01 to 1971-11-30 Commando Hunt VII (USAF): from 1971-11-01 to 1972-03-29 Consolidation II (Army, Navy, USCG): from 1971-12-01 to 1972-03-29 Vietnam Cease Fire (Army, Navy, USAF, USCG): from 1972-03-30 to 1973-03-28.
Memories Phan Rnag- 1966-1967-Bomb Dump, Towers, NuiDat Hill, Flight Line, Perimeter. The bomb dump consisted of falcon 4 missles, side winders, Bullpups and Napalm. Towers were 25 feet above the ground and situated throughout the AFB. Flight LInes were protected with 366th and 35th SPS (Security Police Squadrons). Inside the Perimeter were protected with Air Police Security K-9 Forces, backed up by SAT (Security Alert Teams) and 366th and 35th SPS Security Police Forces. On the outside of the Perimeter of the AFB were patrolled by Army 101st Airborne units along with ROK Marines and RVN units.
I was in two campaigns during my tour in Vietnam: "Vietnam Air Counteroffensive (USAF): from 1966-01-31 to 1966-06-28, Vietnam Air Offensive (USAF): from 1966 to 1967". Under CSG-Combat Support Group, was when I was awarded the AF Commendation Medal and Citation while doing duty on and off Phan Rang AB while in Vietnam between 1966 -1967.... More
Chain of Command
Colonel Gabreski - Base Commander Major Eggleston - Air Police Squadron Commander
Other Memories
After Air Police Academy in Texas, My first cuty as an Air Policeman was at Suffolk County AFB. I was attached to the 52nd Air Police Squadron for the 52nd FIS wing which arrived at SCAFB in 1963. I stayed till 1966 when I received my orders to go to Phan Rang AFB, Vietnam. I was attached to the 366th Air Police Squadron till October 1966 when I was transferred to the 35th Air Police Squadron.
Chain of Command
Colonel Gabreski - Base Commander Major Eggelston - Air Police/Security Force Squadron Commander
Other Memories
After graduating from the Air Police Academy in Lackland AFB, Texas, I was assigned to the 52nd Securiy Force Squadron at SCAFB, LI, NY., where I stayed there until 1966. In March of 1966, I received my orders to Phan Rang AB, Vietnam where I stayed till 1967. I was assigned to the 366th Security Force Squadron and in october 1966 was re-assigned to the 35th Security Force Squadron (Panther Flight).
Other Memories
I completed Basic Training at Lackland AFB, continued on to 3275th Training Squadron for the Air Police training Academy. I later went to Camp Bullis Military Training Reservation in Bexa County, Texas for Security Taining and SAT (Security Alert Team) training.
Other Memories
In 1963, I received additional training at Fort Bliss in Texas for Air Police Security Forces. In 1966, I received additional traing for VC Tactics, etc. I was classified as "Combat Ready".
Best Friends
I really didn't have any best friend. I didn't get a close relationship with anyone until I went to Suffolk County AFB, Long Island.
Best Moment
When I completed training, I saluted my TI and called him Sir, he said I didn't have to. I told him I knew that but, it was a sign of respect that I did to him and then I shook his hand.
Worst Moment
Upon arrival at Lackland, my TI, told me I wasn't going to make it, While I proved him wrong. In fact, I became part of the road guard team.
Major Sloan
Lt. Barth
Msgt Koening
Tsgy Kicker
I was Transfered from 366th Security Police Squadron to the 35th Security Police (Panther) Squadron.