Koh Tang Mayaguez Vets Organization Guest Book

I am a retired Major of Marines with a great interest in Koh Tang. In 2005, as part of the professional education series for the officers & SNCOs in our unit, I gave a lecture on the Battle of Koh Tang & Rescue of the Mayaguez; we all took turns educating the masses! My CO suggested that this lecture to given to the entire unit. I went one better by inviting BG McMenamim, ADC 2ndMarDiv and soon-to-retire, to relate his experiences when he was there as the 81mm Mortar Platoon Commander. The experience was awesome! The junior Marines and Sailors (as well as some officers and SNCOs) had never heard of this battle and they asked me many questions after my lecture. They were enthralled after BG McMENAMIN’s talk and inundated dated him with questions afterwards. I have met one other veteran of this action, Allen WYATT, who was the RTO for CO of G/2/9 and wounded on the first insertion attempt. In 1995, I saw this Sergeant of Marines running around MWSS-274 at MCAS Cherry Point with a Purple Heart and other “beads and bobbles” not normally worn by a sergeant circa 1995. He was the unit HazMat NCO and happy to educate me about his experience at Koh Tang. He had departed the Marine Corps, decided the outside world wasn’t all it was kicked up to be and returned to our ranks. The last time I talked to him he was a Gunnery Sergeant. BG McMENAMIN’s wife had died from a long battle with cancer several months prior to this lecture. I appreciate his support to my unit.

In 1975 I was a SSgt in 2/9 assigned as the Message Center Chief. I participated in the Saigon evacuation and deployed to U-Tapao with the unit. Andres (Andy) Garcia, who was aboard Knife 31 and KIA, co-worked for me as a teletype tech, but I had allowed him to help out ANGLICO as a radio operator. That's how he came to be aboard Knife 31. I wanted to let everyone know that, through the efforts of Ernesto & Nancy Rios, the Marine Corps League of Carlsbad NM is now named in honor of Andy. Ernesto, who is also a former Marine, was Andy's best friend in high school. I look forward to attending my first reunion next year in Branson. Would like to hear from anyone who remembers me, were assigned to the unit, or are members of the KTBV.

I would like to give a big THANKS to J.D., Randy, Al, Bob, Dave, Dan & Judy Van de Geer for coming together after I contacted you in June about Dad's funeral. Thank you for allowing me to become a part of your brotherhood. I will be here to help in anyway that I can and look forward to keeping in touch with everyone for as long as I can. Mark

My brother Retired Colonel Howard A. Corson, Jr. was the aircraft commander on "Knife 31" during the Mayaguez incident. Al passed away on May 24, after a very short couragous battle with cancer. He was buried at Arlingtonon August 27,09. Thanks to all who were there to celebrate his life, especially the crew members. It meant a lot to meet them and to hear the stories about the day they were shot down. God Bless You All !

I found this site while doing a search for a documentary video of the Mayaguez incident I had seen on the History channel. Video: "Seized at sea situation critical" Henninger Productions. I was a crew member on board the USS Henry B. Wilson DDG-7 that day. I got to spend a lot of the day on deck observing. I was a FTM2 (E5) Fire control Technician Missles. My best wishes go out to all who were involved in this action. Especially the Marines who were put in a very untenable situation that day.

Would like to know if Marshall, Hall and Hargrove recieved any awards for valor? I truly believed they should of been.

Semper Fi

H&S Co. 1/9

Good work, great site.
Semper Fi
Jim Donovan
E 2/9

I had a great time in Odon, thanks for making me feel at home to Tom and Shelba and the town of Odon. They really support the vets in that town. I just wished that more people would come and see what this about.

Semper Fi
Al Mahan

Hi Everyone,
Looking forward to seeing those that can join us August 1st for the 2nd Annual Koh Tang Veterans Golf Scramble fund raiser. All proceeds will be used to assist our less fortunate Brothers and their families. If unable to attend donations are welcomed and appriciated.
Many of us will be camping at West Boggs Park close to the golf course and several are lodging at The Gastoff Inn during the time frame of July 30 to August 7, 2009. The camp fire will be lit, come join in on the fun.
Semper Fidelis, Al & Tina Bailey

HAS IT REALLY BEEN 34 YEARS SEEMED LIKE YESTERDAY.
H+S CO 2/9 COMM PLT.