On 8 April 1966, the Army Security Agency activated
the 409th Army Security Agency Detachment at Fort George G Meade
Maryland. The 80 man Detachment was designed specifically to support the
11th Armored Calvary Regiment. On 18 August 1966, the 409thASA
Detachment (known in Vietnam as the 409th Radio Research Detachment) was
deployed with the Regiment to Vietnam.
The 409th RRD played a very important role in supporting the Regiment
by providing communications intelligence, which targeted the elusive
enemy. This was accomplished by manual morse and voice
interception,along with radio direction finding. Small teams from the
409th RRD deployed with elements of the Regiment in direct support of
combat operations while others maintained collection sites at isolated
fire support bases. The Detachment relayed its information directly to
the local commander and provided him with reports from other Radio
Research elements, which could include the results of airborne radio
direction finding.
In addition a team of specialists provided advice and assistance on
communications security matters to the Regiment. Although small in size,
the 409th RRD was quickly recognized for providing reliable information
on a timely basis. For its efforts , the 409th RRD received a Valorous
Unit Award, 4 Meritorious Unit Commendations, 4 Republic Of Vietnam
Crosses Of Gallantry.
The 409th RRD suffered two combat losses:
1LT JOHN F COCHRANE 24 OCT 1966
SP5 HARRY J COLON 21 JUN 1969
Valorous Unit Award—31 Jan–5 Feb 68, DAGO 28, 69, amended
DAGO 12, 69
Meritorious Unit Commendation
1 Jun 66–31 Jul 67, DAGO 17,68;
1 Aug 67–31 Jul 68, DAGO 28, 69;
31 Jan–5 Feb 68, DAGO 28, 69, amended
DAGO 12, 69
1 Aug 68–30 Sep 69,DAGO 51, 71;
1 Oct 69–31 Dec 70, DAGO 43, 72
RVN Gallantry Cross w/Palm
7 Sep 66–10 Aug 68, DAGO 60, 69
1 May 69–15 Feb 70, DAGO 50,71;
1 Mar–30 Oct 70, DAGO 55,71;
1 Jan 70–3 Mar 71, DAGO 6,74
RVN Civil Actions Honor Medal, FC
1 Jan 69–1 Apr 70, DAGO 6,74
