Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron 9 will host a ceremony at
Whidbey Island Naval Air Station Friday to award a Navy Commendation
Medal with Valor and Presidential Unit Citation to a Vietnam veteran.
Retired Senior Chief Engineman Gerald E. Patterson, a
Renton resident, is being recognized for heroic achievement while
serving as leading engineman with Assault Craft Unit One (ACU-1) in Dong
Ha Ramp, Republic of South Vietnam in 1967.
The ceremony will take place at the Skywarrior Theater at
10 a.m. The guest speaker will be Reserve Navy Capt. Gary Buchanan,
senior manager of human resources for the Port of Seattle and a champion
for the port’s Veterans Fellowship Program that provides employment and
support services to veterans re-entering the workforce.
“Senator Patty Murray and her staff were instrumental in
making this award possible for Mr. Patterson,” Buchanan said.
Patterson served 20 years in the Navy and retired from the
Port of Seattle. According to the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation
Medal citation:
“While on watch, Patterson observed a number of underwater
explosions in the immediate vicinity. As he was trying to contact his
officer-in-charge, he was lifted and thrown to the deck by an explosion
beneath his own craft, leaving him stunned and unable to walk. Upon
regaining his senses and fearing the underwater explosions were a
prelude to a general attack, despite the smoke and gas seeping from the
engine room, Patterson entered the space to effect repairs. Working in
heavy smoke, he identified and corrected the engine casualties, allowing
his craft to get underway and avoid further damage.”
Patterson will also receive a Presidential Unit Citation
for “extraordinary heroism and outstanding performance of duty in action
against enemy forces during Operation Hue City conducted in Thua Thien
Province, Republic of Vietnam in 1968.”
– Whidbey News Times
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