Presidential Unit Citation

The Presidential Unit Citation is awarded by direction of the President of the United States to:

THE 3D BRIGADE, 4TH INFANTRY DIVISION AND ASSIGNED AND ATTACHED UNITS FOR EXTRAORDINARY HEROISM

The 3d Brigade, 4th Infantry Division and the Attached and Assigned Units distinguished themselves by extraordinary heroism while engaged in military operations on 21 March 1967 in the vicinity of SUOI TRE, Republic of Viet Nam. The members of this Brigade and the foregoing units demonstrated indomitable courage and professional skill while engaging an estimated force of approximately 2500 Viet Cong. During the early morning hours of 21 March 1967, an estimated force of 2500 Viet Cong launched a massive and determined ground attack against elements of the 3d Battalion, 22d Infantry and 2d Battalion, 77th Artillery located at Fire Support Base Gold near Suoi Tre, Republic of Viet Nam. Opening the engagement with an intense mortar attack, the enemy force, later identified as the 272d Main Force Regiment, reinforced by two additional infantry battalions, struck the perimeter in three separate locations.

Due to the ferocity of the assault and the overwhelming number of enemy troops, untenable positions in the north and south-east were overrun within the first 30 minutes of the battle despite determined resistance by friendly forces. As the enemy penetrated the perimeter, the American troops set up an interim perimeter and continued to direct withering fire on the enemy. When the Viet Cong directed anti-tank fire upon the artillery positions, heroic gun crews cannibalized parts from damaged guns, and, at several points, fired directly into the advancing enemy including the firing of 'bee-hive' ammunition through gaps in the perimeter.

While the battle continued to rage and grow in intensity, the Brigade Commander was directing the 2d Battalion, 12th Infantry, the 2d Battalion, 22d Infantry (Mechanized) and the 2d Battalion, 34th Armor, to the besieged fire support base. At the same time, the support and service elements of the brigade began a furious aerial resupply of ammunition and medical supplies from the Brigade Rear base camp at Dau Tieng.

As the 2d Battalion, 12th Infantry began its overland move to the fire support base approximately 2,500 meters distant, a heavy concentration of enemy mortar fire was directed upon their position, killing one man and wounding 20 others. Undaunted, the battalion moved nearly 2,500 meters in less than two hours despite constant blocking and harassment efforts by the enemy. Concurrently with the movement of the 2d Battalion, 12th Infantry, mechanized and armor elements began moving across the Suoi Samat River at a ford which had only recently been located and which previously had been thought impassable.

Driving towards the fire support base, the mechanized unit followed by the armor battalion, drove into the western sector of the engaged perimeter passing through engaged elements of the 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry. Striking the Viet Cong on the flank, the 2d Battalion, 22d Infantry smashed through the enemy with such intensity and ferocity that the enemy attack faltered and broke. As the fleeing and now shattered enemy force retreated to the north-east, the 2d Battalion, 34th Armor swept the position destroying large numbers of Viet Cong who were now in full retreat.

Throughout the battle, fighters of the United States Air Force, directed by the Brigades Forward Air Controllers, provided close support to the fire support base and hammered enemy concentrations outside the perimeter. As the FAC aircraft dived through heavy anti-aircraft fire to mark enemy positions, the plane was hit by ground fire and crashed killing both occupants.

After securing the fire support base, a sweep of the area was conducted, revealing a total of 647 Viet Cong bodies and 10 enemy captured. It is estimated that an additional 200 enemy were killed as a result of the aerial and artillery bombardment. Friendly casualties were extremely light, resulting in only 33 killed and 187 wounded of whom approximately 90 were returned to duty.

Through their fortitude and determination, the personnel of the 3d Brigade, 4th Infantry Division and attached units were able in great measure to cripple a large Viet Cong Force. Their devotion to duty and extraordinary heroism reflect distinct credit upon themselves and the Armed Forces of the United States

Assigned & Attached Units

• HEADQUARTERS COMPANY, 3D BRIGADE, 4TH INFANTRY DIVISION
• 2D BATTALION, 12TH INFANTRY
• 2D BATTALION, 22D INFANTRY (MECHANIZED)
• 3D BATTALION, 22D INFANTRY
• 2D BATTALION, 77th ARTILLERY
• 2D BATTALION, 34th ARMOR
• HEADQUARTERS COMPANY, 2D BATTALION, 34th ARMOR
• COMPANY A, 2D BATTALION, 34th ARMOR
• COMPANY C, 2D BATTALION, 34th ARMOR
• 44th INFANTRY PLATOON, SCOUT DOG
• COMPANY C, 4th ENGINEER BATTALION
• BATTERY C, 1st BATTALION, 8th ARTILLERY (105mm)
• BATTERY B, 3D BATTALION, 13th ARTILLERY (155 SP)
• 1st AND 4th SQUADS, 4th SECTION BATTERY D, 71st ARTILLERY (QUAD 50)
• 3d AND 4th SECTIONS, 1st PLATOON, BATTERY D, 5th BATTALION, 2d ARTILLERY (DUSTER)
• C TROOP, 1st SQUADRON, 10th CAVALRY
• TEAM, 240th PSYCHOLOGICAL OPERATIONS COMPANY
• 3d SUPPORT BATTALION (PROVISIONAL)
• 3D S & T COMPANY (PROVISIONAL)
• COMPANY B, 704th MAINTENANCE BATTALION
• COMPANY D, 4th MEDICAL BATTALION 20th PUBLIC INFORMATION DETACHMENT
• 10th AA PLATOON, 2D CIVIL AFFAIRS COMPANY
• 3d PLATOON, 2d CIVIL AFFAIRS COMPANY
• 3d PLATOON, 4th MILITARY POLICE COMPANY
• COMPANY C, 588th ENGINEER BATTALION
• 19th TACTICAL AIR SUPPORT SQUADRON