Koh Tang Mayaguez Vets Organization Guest Book

Looking forward to the 50th reunion this week. Met many of you at the Las Vegas reunion. Just a reminder this was really a joint military mission including our Coast Guard C-130 under the control of the Coral Sea Task Force. We were diverted from searching for escaping "Boat People" off the coast of South Vietnam to Koh Tang to fly cover for some of the Coral Sea aircraft.

On our way to DC for the reunion

On our way to DC for the reunion

I am a Military Historian and Author writing a story about Capt Terry Ohlemeier, one of the CH-53 pilots involved in the Mayaguez Mission. Capt Ohlemeier passed away in March 2025, but his story will be published in Doug Sterner's Beyond Belief, Kansas Heroes book due for publication in June.
Thanks for your service and keeping this story alive.
Peter Stonefield

Hello everyone. I was on the USS Anchorage and we were on our way home from Vietnam when we got diverted to Cambodia. Didn't see any direct action there, but we listened to whatever news we could get while the Marines battled it out on the island. It's great that organizations like this exist today. I raise my glass to the brave men who fought and bled in that last battle of the war.

I just wanted to say hello to all of your heroes!!!. I was the Flight Engineer of Jolly Green 12, piloted by Major Walls and 2Lt Comer. I was wounded in action during this mission in a hover trying to rescue a downed crew member above a Dusty H-53 helicopter near the beach. I was dropped off on the Coral Sea for medical assistance. Presently, I'm the Post Commander of Chapter 10249 at Udorn, Thailand

Nice to find this site, didn't know it existed. I was in Two Engine while on that WestPac and during the Mayaguez operation. I remember it vividly and especially the aftermath. It opened my eyes and made war a real thing. Hope to hear from some of my old mates.

My 2 cents. There are multiple 50th Reunion events happening by different groups next year in the April to May time-frame. One thing that's missing is the involvement of the White House and our new President Trump! This should be a White House level event w/ National TV coverage with Veterans (of all services) meeting w/ the President and staff at the White House for an Official Observance of these Historic "Combined" Military Operations. President Trump "Loves" the military and I'm certain he would take the time for us considering it's the 50th Anniversary. I would also suggest starting a "Go Fund Me" page to help pay for Veterans who are too broke to make the trip but would like to attend. With our current economic situation in this country a lot of Veterans would like to attend but won't make this historic trip due to no money saved. Appreciate your time ~ Jim "Heavy" Hoey, USS Henry B. Wilson (DDG-7) 74-77. Retired, LT (LDO)/CWO4 (OPS TECH).

Fox 2/9 75-76
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2025 Reunion 50th Anniversary

Dates: 12-15 MAY 2025. Banquet: 15 May 2025

Hilton National Landing Hotel
2399 Richmond Highway, Arlington, VA

Group Code: KTM or Koh Tang Mayagues Veterans
Reservation # 1-800-445-8667
$229. Room per night plus 14.25% tax
$ 23. Parking per day plus tax
$ 75. Pet fee (one-time fee)

Ronald Reagan National Airport
(Free Shuttle Service provided by Hilton Hotel)

KTMV Organization Registration Form and Cost to be announced soon.

Reunion Coordinators:
Allen & Tina Bailey
240-876-9717
altinabailey1988@gmail.com