Welcome to the USS Forrest Royal DD-872 Guestbook Forum

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First ship-med cruise 65 to 66-love to hear frm D Grant,W Kyle,F Robert,S Strickland,T Stockton 757-472-6201

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Years Served: 59-61…any old ship mates from the bridge?

Served on the Forrest Royal from December, 1967 – February, 1970.

Served on the Royal 1966-1969 R Div did Med cruise, several operations in the Atlantic and in 1967 went to Vietnam, we vdid some plane guarding in the Gulf of Tonkin, then we were sent to Danang were the Royal’s crew was awarded the Cross of Gallantry (S. Vietnam award) for action against Viet Cong in Danang in support of Marines. Next the crew was awarded The Combat Action Ribbon when the Royal joined Operation Sea Dragon to destroy land targets also destroy shore gun emplacements, that’s when twice we received intense counter-battery and heavy shrapnel but no direct hits. When back to plane guarding in the gulf of Tonkin where we pickup a downed pilot who had been forced to eject from his A4C Skyhawk. The crew was also awarded Meritorious Unit Commendation and the Vietnam Service Medal. After Vietnam did more operations in the Atlantic and Caribean. Went into Dry Dock and in1969 shake down in Guantanamo Bay Cuba. Left the Royal Oct 1 1969 with fond memories I had with my fellow sailors and friends.

served on the royal 1958-1961 served with good other gunnersmate and lot of good shipmates. two med cruises 1958. that ona we steamed over 40000 miles. another in 1960. had some great times serving on the royal