An awards ceremony at Quang Tri District Headquarters. The Vietnamese
District Chief in the fore ground (back to camera) and from left to right
Captain Bob Neely Commander A Company 1/61, a Brigade Staff Officer,
a soldier that appears to be wearing a 1/61 pocket patch and on the right
another staff person (the soft hat is a dead give away).
US awards in the 1st BDE 5th DIV were few and far between. Until
late 1969 the BDE was attached to the 3rd Marine Division and recommendations
for Army awards rarely got through the Marine staff. When the Marines went
home the BDE worked directly for XXIV CORPS. A little old BDE did not
have much influence or support at a three star headquarters. On the other
hand the Vietnamese did process awards for the men of the 1st BDE 5th DIV
and were rather proud to make sure the awards were approved.