Lazarus Guestbook

Fred Morris

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 23:48:32 +0000

All the Men on the Gig (Black Velvet One) were also issued the Combat Action Ribbon from the Wilson. They were also under direct fire from the Island

Jim Beck

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 05:17:29 +0000

Someone asked if the ships participating in the Mayaguez operation recieved Combat Action Ribbons. Here's the story as I know it.

I was stationed aboard the Henry B. Wilson (DDG-7) during all three operations. I was an STG-2 at the time. During the Mayaguez mission swift boat activity was reported in the area. Normally we would have had 50 cal. installed where the torpedo tubes where to combat swift boats. The Sonar gang whould normally man the 50 cals. (we were in the Weapons Division) Because we did not have the 50 cals during the Mayaguez mission the ST's were station on deck with M-1's and M-60's to protect the ship from the reported swift boats. The Sonar gang was awarded Combat Action Ribbons for this (no one else on the ship was). Also, the crew of the Mayaguez was delivered to the Wilson in a fishing boat.

Larry Branson

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:34:21 +0000

;-) Another great Birthday for the Corps. I enjoyed it again and hope all of you did the same. Semper Fi

L.Horton

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 10:44:11 +0000

;-) I hope you all had a wonderful day. I hope that everyone you came in contact with was greatful to you. You all deserve the up most respect and I personally am very thankful for your giving souls. I hope and pray that you are living each day with Jesus in your hearts.

Terry Brooks

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 01:59:52 +0000

Happy B-day Jarheads, hope you all have a great day.

Semper FI

Al Mahan

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:11:06 +0000

Happy Birthday and Semper FI to all brothers

Patrick Cotton

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 22:30:12 +0000

Didn't even know anybody remembered this happened....I've told the story for years and people just looked at me with a blank face. Like most of the Marines there I was also part of Eagle Pull and Frequent Wind. I was a Marine working for S-4 on board. Can't quite remember what I was doing at the time, getting old I guess.

Thanks for Remembering...

Patrick Cotton

Col Wayne F. Petitto

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 03:18:37 +0000

Was IR operator on Specter 61
We removed two gun sights that AM

Rick Thompson

Sun, 11 Oct 2009 15:24:04 +0000

Remember while serving with Bravo 1/5, 1st Mar Div, Camp Pendleton, CA ~1976 that Sgt. Lutz received a Bronze Star for the Mayaguez incident. Though we served together, I have forgotten his first name. I remember the citation indicating how Lutz's patrol had been isolated by grenade attacks on point and rear. Lutz, a machine gunner provided 'withering fire' on the enemy effectively saving the patrol. We were proud of him.

Shawn flores

Sat, 19 Sep 2009 18:17:23 +0000

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.