Tan Son Nhut --- The United States' highest military unit award, the Presidential Unit Citation, has been presented to the 377th Security Police Squadron here.

In a brief ceremony, Maj. Gen. Robert J. Dixon, Seventh Air Force Vice Commander, attached the citation's distinctive blue streamer to the squadron guidon.

The award, signed by President Richard M. Nixon, covered the period Jan. 31 - Feb 2, 1968, and credited the 377th SPS for " ... extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force."

The citation read in part, " ... Tan Son Nhut AB suddenly came under attack from a large, multi-battalion hostile force using rockets, mortars, automatic weapons and small arms.   The small 377th SPS, armed only with light weapons, reacted immediately, established strong defensive positions, and heroically held off the attackers during the early, critical hours until Republic of Vietnam and U.S. Army reinforcements could respond."

This marks the second award the squadron has earned for meritorious service in the defense of Tan Son Nhut.

Commander of the squadron during the period covered by the award was Lt. Col. Billy J. Carter.  Present commander is Lt. Col. Carl Roy.