Learn more about the MEYERKORD's namesake - LT Harold Dale Meyerkord

The following was provided by RMCM (SW/AW) James D Brown :

These awards were earned during the deployment and after our return from the 1983 deployment.

Meritorious Unit Commendation - Citation reads as follows:
"The Secretary of the Navy takes pleasure in presenting the MERITORIOUS UNIT COMMENDATION to, Task Force Seventy-One, (KOREAN AIRLINES FLIGHT 007 SEARCH AND RESCUE/SALVAGE OPERATIONS), for service set forth in the following, CITATION:, For meritorious service while attached to the SEVENTH Fleet and operating integral to Task Force SEVENTY-ONE from 1 September 1983 to 5 November 1983. While conducting search and salvage operations for Korean Airlines Flight KAL 007 in response to national taskings and operating close to the Soviet Islands of Sakhalin and Moneron in the Tartar Strait and Northern Sea of Japan, Task Force SEVENTY-ONE superbly carried out its humanitarian mission despite severe climatic conditions and frequent Soviet harrassment and obstruction. Low temperatures and high seas relentlessly harrassed personnel, equipment, and ships. Soviet insensitivity to international sanction to the shootdown and the intense proximity of United States and chartered ships to claimed international waters spurred active Soviet efforts to frustrate, obstruct, and discredit Task Force SEVENTY-ONE which nonetheless meticulously completed a precision search of over 225 square miles of ocean floor. Exceptional shiphandling and intrepid professional response avoided even the occassion of an incident between the Soviet Union and the United States. By their sustained superior performance, steadfast initiative, and unswerving devotion to duty, the officers, enlisted personnel, and civilian employees of Task Force SEVENTY-ONE (Korean Airlines Flight KAL 007 Search and Rescue/Salvage Operations) reflected credit upon themselves and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. Signed; John Lehman, Secretary of the Navy."

Battle Efficiency Award - Meyerkord was awarded the Battle "E" Award (1986).