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THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY WASHINGTON The Secretary of the Navy takes pleasure in commending USS RANGER (CVA-61) And CARRIER AIR WING FOURTEEN (CVW-14) For service set forth in the following CITATION: participating in combat operations in Southeast Asia in support of the Republic of Vietnam’s effort to resist Communist aggression. During this period USS RANGER and embarked Carrier Air Wing FOURTEEN conducted extensive aerial day and night armed reconnaissance and air strikes in the face of intensive hostile ground fire, which included air-to-air missiles, and succeeded in inflicting severe damage on railroads, storage areas, petroleum depots, trucks, watercraft, military and naval vessels, surface-to-air missile sites, transshipment points, roads, bridges and ferries in North Vietnam. Using a self- developed IOIC program for targeting assistance, making maximum use of SHRIKE missiles and rendering air support to friendly surface forces, RANGER and her embarked air wing executed all tasks with unwavering devotion, founded in superb morale, while displaying outstanding traits of initiative, perseverance, physical stamina and foresight. the courage, professionalism and dedication displayed by the officers of USS RANGER and embarked Carrier Air Wing FOURTEEN were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. All personnel attached to USS RANGER, or to her embarked air wing, and serving on board this vessel during the period designated above, or any part thereof, are hereby authorized to wear the Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon. /s/ Paul H. Nitze |