Silver Star
	Alton Raybou Gunter, EN2	27 March 1966	PCF 26
	Thomas Arthur Withey, LTJG	25 June 1967	PCF 97
	James Howard Akers, BMSN	12 May 1968	PCF 98
	Citation:
	"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the Viet Cong  while serving as twin fifty-caliber machine gunner of a Swift Boat (PCF-98) attached to Coastal Squadron ONE in the Mekong Delta, Republic of Vietnam.   On 12 May 1968, Seaman Akers' Swift Boat, in company with PCF-102, pursued an evading enemy waterborne craft into the Bo De River, an area of known and intense enemy activity.   As they closed upon the enemy craft, both Swift Boats came under intense 57 mm recoilless and automatic weapons fire from both densely jungled riverbanks, and PCF-98 was immediately hit by two recoilless rifle and numerous small arms rounds.   While aggressively returning fire at the enemy, Seaman Akers' position was hit by an exploding recoilless rifle round, jamming one of the twin fifty-caliber machine guns, tearing off his right shoulder and inflicting numerous and serious wounds to his stomach, back and legs.   Ignoring the agonizing pain of his wounds, and the continuous loss of blood, Seaman Akers refused to leave his battle station.   He cleared the remaining gun, and directed devastating fire on to the enemy firing positions until an explosion knocked him unconscious to the deck below.    Seaman Akers lead the assault with his superbly accurate fire, permitting the combined firepower of the Swifts to locate and silence the enemy.   Seaman Aker's selfless heroism, bold initiative and extraordinary determination, combined to save his shipmates and his craft from certain destruction.   He was that day a masterful gunner and a heroic figure.   His actions reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."
	Michael Thomas Brown, LT	4 October 1968	PCF 38
	Michael Raymond Bernique, LTJG	14 October 1968	PCF 3
	Robert Leon Brant, LTJG	24 November 1968	PCF 93
	Roy Francis Hoffman, CAPT	11 February 1969	Staff
	William Charles Martin, ENS	24 February 1969	PCF 67
	Terrance William Costello III, LT	8 March 1969	PCF 38
	Vern Earl Ratcliff, GMGSN	8 March 1969	PCF 38
	Ronald Lee Wood Sr, EN2	19 March 1969	PCF 101
	Arnold Louis Gellis, RD3	21 March 1969	PCF 99
	William Edward Franke, LTJG
	Charles Albert Adler Jr, LT

By no means do I propose that the above list is complete or entirely accurate!

If you have additions, corrections or can provide actual copies of the
citations, for those names listed above ... PLEASE contact the webmaster
at the e-mail address or phone number listed below.

Remember, the history of this unit, it's people and accomplishments,
is YOUR history and only you can help preserve it!

"Keeper of the Swiftee Listings"
Larry Wasikowski, US Navy Commander (Retired)
Radarman Second Class, PCF-58
DaNang/Chu Lai/Hue/Cua Viet---6/68-5/69
Omaha, NE (402) 331-2504
larrywaz@swiftboats.net
Historian and Webmaster
"Swift Boat Crew Directory"
http://swiftboats.net