In Vietnam's war-torn land and sea,
The Coast Guard served with bravery,
Unknown to most, their role untold,
Their legacy, a story to be extolled.

In '65, Johnson's decree was clear,
Coast Guard's mission, far and near,
Squadron One, "Point" class they'd steer,
Over four million miles, without fear.

In the Mekong Delta's murky domain,
They'd navigate waters, unknown and arcane,
Guardians of freedom, with resolve so strong,
Their anthem of courage, a sea shanty song.

Squadron Three born in '67's early light,
BARATARIA's gunfire, a daring fight,
WINONA, ANDROSCOGGIN, MINNETONKA’s might,
Largest naval clash, in the war's night.

With cutters and boats, they'd patrol the coast,
From dawn's early light to night's eerie ghost,
Rescuing the wounded, aiding the distressed,
Their compassion and valor, truly the best.

Coast Guard cutters on the coastal line,
Limiting infiltration, the enemy's spine,
Quarter of a million vessels boarded, you see,
Naval gunfire support, damage extensive and free.

Thirty cutters turned over to South's command,
Trained Vietnamese crews, their guiding hand,
Nucleus of the South's Navy, strong and bright,
Their legacy shines, like stars in the night.

Port Security and ELDs stood tall,
In Saigon's port, they answered the call,
Explosives handled, firefighting grace,
Enforcing regulations in that far-off place.

Buoy tenders marked the channels with care,
Lighthouses maintained, a vital affair,
LORAN stations guided mariners through,
In uncharted waters, skies often askew.

Aviators soared, in skies they'd glide,
Exchange program, their courage wide,
Four Silver Stars, and Distinguished Crosses too,
Honors for heroes, their valor true.

Today, over fifty years have passed,
Coast Guardsmen's courage, it will last,
In harm's way, they served, their die cast,
Their sacrifices, like history, steadfast.

So let us remember, their sacrifices made,
In the Vietnam War's tumultuous cascade,
Their nautical traditions, our proud legacy,
Inspiring esprit de corps, for all to see.

Eight thousand strong, in Vietnam's embrace,
Facing challenges, with hearts in place,
As long as the sea whispers tales of yore,
Their legacy lives on, forevermore.