COMMANDER CRUISER-DESTROYER GROUP
                                SEVENTH FLEET
                              Fleet Post Office
                             San Francisco 96601
                                 27 Jan 1966

      From: Commander Cruiser-Destroyer Group, SEVENTH Fleet
      To:   Commanding Officer, USS MANSFIELD (DD-728)
      Via:  (1) Commander Destroyer Division NINETY-TWO
            (2) Commander Destroyer Squadron NINE

      Subj: Performance of USS MANSFIELD (DD-728) in SEVENTH Fleet

      1. It is with great pleasure that I recognize the significant con-
      tribution of USS MANSFIELD to the successful operations of the
      Cruiser-Destroyer Group, SEVENTH Fleet in support of our naval effort
      in the Western Pacific Ocean and the South China Sea 31 August 1965 -
      26 January 1966.

      2. The Western Pacific Ocean employment of USS MANSFIELD was charac-
      terized by many consecutive arduous days at sea. The little time in
      port was mainly devoted to maintenance, repair and resupply efforts
      at the expense of time normally available for rest and recreation.
      Notwithstanding the strenuous operating schedule, the officers and
      men may be justifiably of their splendid performance under
      actual combat conditions of carrier task force operations in the South
      China Sea and naval gunfire support of forces in South Vietnam. In
      conducting gunfire support operations you compiled with every request
      for assistance from forces ashore demonstrating excellent teamwork in
      navigating treacherous poorly charted coastal and river delta waters.
      3. In every aspect, the record of dedicated service of the ship's
      company of USS MANSFIELD while serving as a vanguard of U. S. sea-
      power in Southeast Asia was in keeping with the highest traditions
      of the naval service.
                                                      /s/ D. G. IRVINE

                        U.S.S. MANSFIELD (DD-728)
                            FLEET POST OFFICE
                        SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA
      Most Americans are aware of recent naval participation in events
      in widely separated areas of the globe, particularly in Southeast
      Asia. The significant thing is that when these situations required
      our country to take a stand, there was a military capability at hand
      with which to make credible our position. It was no accident that
      this military presence was often sea based. Sea Based forces are
      unique in this regard --- self-contained, independent, mobile, flex-
      ible and self-sufficient. In each case, our Navy was able to perform
      its task with precisely the right combination of strength and finesse
      required by the existing conditions. It is therefore in times of in-
      ternational crisis, such as the United States is experiencing today
      in various parts of the globe, that the mission, capability, and ef-
      fectiveness of the United States Navy is forcefully brought to the
      attention of the American public.
         It is in these same critical times that a man's service aboard
      ship becomes more meaningful and worthy of remembrance. 1965 is just
      such a year. It is a time that should be recorded for posterity,
      both for the man serving aboard ship and for his family at home.
         I want to take this opportunity to tell you something about what
      the USS MANSFIELD (DD-728) has done in the Western Pacific Area and
      to point out how your serviceman is making an important contribution
      to our nation's defense.
         Since the ship's arrival in the Western Pacific we have been em-
      ployed as a unit of the mighty Seventh Fleet. This powerful fight-
      ing force is an effective mobile safeguard of our liberty and the
      primary safeguard of the liberty of so many people in the Far East.
      The Seventh Fleet rule as "Ready Power for Peace" consists in
      maintaining a feeling of friendship and goodwill while halting the
      forces of aggression.
         The MANSFIELD, as part of the Seventh Fleet, is in Viet Nam for
      three reasons: First, we are here to honor a commitment,a written
      agreement. The Republic of Viet Nam has asked for our assistance and
      to quote Mr. Rusk, "The integrity of that commitment has a major
      bearing upon similar commitments we have in other parts of the world,
      and the integrity of the American commitment is the Principal of
      Peace in the present world situation". Secondly, we are here to halt
      the expansion of communism and to permit the Republic of Viet Nam to
      be an independent nation. Thirdly, we are here to prevent the loss
      of such countries as Laos, Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines
      to the communist powers.
         As you can see, this is a big job and the Seventh Fleet is play-
      ing a major role in the overall effort. Our carriers are providing
      half of the strike aircraft being used in both North and South Viet
      Nam, while destroyers like MANSFIELD are providing search and rescue
      services along with anti-submarine and anti-aircraft protection.
      Also included in a destroyer's duty is naval gunfire support to the
      Marines, U.S. Army and South Vietnamese forces.
         The MANSFIELD'S duty thus far has included assignments to many
      weeks of fast carrier attack operations with the USS MIDWAY (CVA-
      41) and USS KITTY HAWK (CVA-63) throughout the South CHina Sea,
      naval gunfire support, anti-aircraft and anti-submarine patrol.
         While assigned to a carrier we act as a versatile support ship
      ever drilling at screening the carrier from submarines and air-
      craft. During flight operations we are positioned near-by in res-
      cue destroyer station as a lifeguard for downed aviators. This
      has been a very demanding job requiring high speeds and long hours
      for all hands.
         During patrol duty, the hours are, for the most part long and
      uneventful. However we must remain alert, ready to cope with any
      situations which might arise. As this letter goes to press, the
      MANSFIELD is completing her six month tour of duty. During this
      time the MANSFIELD has visited Subic Bay in the Philippines,
      Yokosuka, Japan and Hong Kong. There inport periods are essen-
      tial for ship repairs and much needed relaxation.
         Hence, the Seventh Fleet today continues its patrol from the
      Sea of Japan to the South China Sea, ever ready to protect the
      interests of the United States and the security of our friends,
      a watchdog of peace in an area continuously threatened by communist
      Peiping and its partners in aggression.
         In closing, I would like to salute the officers and men of the
      MANSFIELD. Since relieving Commander R. C Marshall, I can say
      that it is only because of their loyalty and dedication that the
      MANSFIELD is able to perform her mission. We have had an exacting
      task, our hours have been long and separation from our families
      was inevitable. But, you can have the deep pride and satisfaction
      in knowing that your serviceman is serving his country in the cause
      of freedom to which our nation has been committed since its birth.
         MANSFIELD is presently scheduled to depart the Western Pacific
      Area on 16 January 1966, spent one day in Pearl Harbor, before ar-
      riving in Long Beach on 7 February 1966.

                                                /s/ D.P. NELLIS
                                                CDR         USN
                                                Commanding Officer