Maddox (DD 731) - Naval Cruise Book

Page 58 text:

1, . - -X, , fy 'I , . V, 1 , 1 I r I 1'- w ,V -, I ! I1 - I I I 1 I I 1. - I ,I I 1 1 1 I I ,I -1 1 f I . 4 5 5511 I 5 Il: 9, ,- I :- n ' 5 I' From: Commanding Officer, USS MADDOX QDD 7315 To: All Hands Subj: Letter of Appreciation 1, As the Commanding Officer, USS MADDOX QDD 731j,I take pleasure in express- ing my appreciation for your superior performance of duty during the period 31 July to 8 August 1964 when the ship was on patrol in the Gulf of Tonkin. This op- eration was a delicate and arduous assignment conducted under difficult circum- stances which required alertness, teamwork and long hours spent at General Quarters and condition watches. The splendid performance of duty by you during the North Vietnam motor torpedo boats attacks on this ship on 2 August and again on 4 August contributed materially to the destruction of two of the boats and dis- couraging the remaining attackers. The moral courage which you displayed during the eighty 'cumulative days spent on station in the South China Sea while conducting- special operations from 13 May through 17 September reflected most favorably upon you and upon the ship. 2. As a result of the successful execution of the Tonkin Gulf patrol in particular and the South China Sea operations in general, the Chief of Naval Operations, Commander in Chief, Pacific, and Commander SEVENTH Fleet were moved to send the following commendatory messages: Chief of Naval Operations: 0818442 AUG 1964 -- Gulf of Tonkin Operations ---- I WISH TO ADD MY WELL DONE TO THE OFFICERS AND ENLISTED MEN WHO WERE ENGAGED IN SUBJECT OPERATIONS. THE COURAGE, SKILL AND OUTSTANDING STATE OF OPERATIONAL READINESS DISPLAYED BY OUR SAILOR MEN WAS IN THE FINEST TRADITION OF OUR NAVY AND A SXOURCEAO2 SUPREME PRIDE TO ME, THEIR FAMILIES AND ALL OTHER MERI N , ADMIRAL DAVID L. MCDONALD Commander in Chief, Pacific: 0523362 AUG 1964 -- Gulf operations ---- THE SUPREME TEST OF READINESS AND THE-UNDISPUTED MARK OF REAL PROFESSIONALISM IS THE SMART EXECUTION OF AN OPERATION CONCEIVED OF NECESSITY ON SHORT NOTICE, COMPLICATED BY THE ELEMENTS AND FRAUGHT WITH THE NORMAL DANGERS OF OUR CALL- ING. MY PERSONAL WELL DONE TO ALL HANDS. ADMIRAL SHARP Commander SEVENTH Fleet: 2412032 AUG 1964 -- DURING YOUR WELL DESERVED PERIOD OF RELAXATION IN SUBIC, YOU CAN REFLECT ON THE ARDUOUS OPERATIONS JUST COMPLETED AND TAKE PRIDE IN PARTICIPATION IN A PERFORMANCE THAT CLEARLY DEMONSTRATED OUR DETERMINATION TO UPHOLD THE TRADITIONAL U.S. DOCTRINE OF FREEDOM OF THE SEAS. ABOLD CHALLENGE TO THIS TRADITION WAS MET WITH AN ALACRITY THAT CAN LEAVE NO DOUBT OF THE READY POWER OF THE SEVENTH FLEET. VICE ADMIRAL ROY L. JOHNSON 54 .,

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S 59 P,S, Incidently Congressman Melvin Laird of Wisconsin was your first Paymaster, and is a good friend of the Goldwaters. August 4th: I didn't mail this but now I will. We have just heard of the second attack and how you and the Turner Joy got two more boats. According to TV you all have managed to knock out lf5 of their fleet. Yes you have made TV Everyone here is 1002 behind you and those of us who have served aboard the Maddox are with you tonight. Laugh if you will but remember each one of us left something of ourselves with her. ELL SW- vf wiv EIT!-15K SMD J 'mcg FlR'NGn-OEM 1 , R50 LC o,Jp,E Fl MH NOT 5 fi i - QQ ll 49 ' Timex, 1... . - 4. .,, fflTr4.I, .- --i . 15.5,-nf..-, 3 , ,V - , ,, , . - , wflmmj, ' 'g ' Mmm A-' ' -flilkoaniiill

Page 59 text:

THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY WASHINGTON The Secretary of the Navy takes pleasure in commending UNITED STATES NAVAL TASK GROUP 72.1 consisting of U.S.S. MADDOX CDD-7311 and U.S.S. TURNER JOY CDD-9511 for service as set forth in the following CITATION: For outstanding heroism in action against hostile forces in the Gulf of Tonkin during the period 2-5 August 1964. In the face of unprovoked torpedo and gunfire attack, in international waters, Task Group 72.1 repelled repeated assaults by North Vietnamese motor torpedo boats. The immediate and determined response of the Task Group resulted in sinking, damaging, or driving from the spene the attacking torpedo boats. By so doing, the Task Group demonstrated the firm intent of the United States to maintain free- dom of the seas and to take all necessary measures in defense of peace in Southeast Asia. The outstanding professional and tech- nical competence and effective teamwork displayed by all members of Task Group 72.1 in carrying out this action were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. All personnel attached to and serving on board Task Group 72.1 during the above period, including Commander Destroyer Division 192, embarked staff, and members of detachments actually present and artici atin in P P S the above action, are hereby authorized to wear the Navy Unit Com- mendation Ribbon. ::l'a..Q.-EQ' I Secretary of the Navy v . M y L.. .1 , N, -, 1. ,-, ,,f'53,,,By,hx,, 'M 4:-g4,5,,,5g5qg,,i:4, .s35g:gi14ii:fFS- w ff 1 ?'5g'f 'f?wi4a'-1' . ,Q . . . .V , ...MA ,A Q, , W -f -f 1 , f' -,f ' ' t , - ' -.4q,w.,...-xnonqur-1,uasss1.,of-wwfaumi 4 . f ' ' -amuunadr