Koh Tang Mayaguez Vets Organization Guest Book

RIP those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the rescue.
God Bless and Thank You, Life Member James E. Behrens, Post 11575, 6-1-07

Visiting and following news of the Last Battle of Vietnam. I am a US Army vet, along with most of our family men and a few women. I am a cousin to Ronald J Manning. Saw the new info from 2017 Newsweek story about what happened to the last 3 Marines and the related news links. Informed family concerning the 2017 Newsweek article, the recent remains found on Koh (Kas) Tang, and the info about this website. I will also request support from my NY 27th District US. Congresman, Chris Collins, of ongoing efforts of this group. Please keep up the good work in educating and having the respectful acknowledgements and commendations to our fallen, along with the survivors. God Bless.

I attended the Memorial Day Parade in Gaylord, MI this morning, and there was a veteran in front of me with several Koh Tang patches on his jean jacket. I was born in 1988, and I had never heard of the battle before. None of my other family members had, either, so we spent a good deal of Memorial Day learning about the Battle of Koh Tang.

I am thankful for the veteran in front of me, who opened my eyes to this battle. I am also thankful for this website, which is a treasure and testament to all those who served. Thank you to all who served and gave so selflessly for our nation. God bless you all!

Hey bros, Went to the car show won a trophy took the microphone and let about 500 people know that the Maersk was not the last pirated ship in the last 200 years the Mayaguez was. And then I said a few other words about politics and got a standing ovation from a few. It's working and tomorrow is the Willamette National cemetary. Semper Fi

Hey Bros heading to cruise inn tomorrow at a vfw post and watch the heads turn when I pull in with the truck. Have a safe weekend and see you all latter. S/F Terry Brooks

Having this article, it seems that there is some misinformation , concerning the emergency repair of USAF H-53 JG43.Capt. Roland Purser was the Pilot and made a single engine (#2 Eng. only) on the USS CORAL SEA.
I have stated before, on this site that I made the emergency repair to the #1 Eng Fuel line, giving instruction to the pilot to start # 1 Eng. for a leak check, No leaks !! Being an HC-1 Quality Assurance Supervisor of US Navy Helicopter Squadron One, Det. 3, I cleared Mr. Purser for a flight back to his base, not for going back in country.
I very much appreciate his trust in my quality of work and opted to go in country and rescue many US Marines, whom needed to be removed from danger very quickly.
The emergency repair was given to the Crew Chief of JG 43.
I have a letter of commendation, from my Detachment Officer in Charge, that was sent From a USAF Gen.
I am planning on joining the JG bunch, as soon as I can get an address for the organization.

I would also like to meet Col. Purser.

PJ Imhof (850)221-1five237


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I was a First Sergeant stationed at Nakhon Phanom RTAFB, Thailand when the Mayaguez in ident happened. A cH-3 helicopter with 23 Air Force Security Police and 5 crew members crashed with the loss of all lives while still in country. They had been tasked as I understand it to be a security force aboard the Mayaguez but I guess that was rescinded? I knew several of the SP's personally. I salute all the Airmen, Marines and Sailors who lost their lives in that operation.

To all my Kohtang brothers and families... A day of remembrance for the 41 brothers, for each of us that cannot and will not ever forget this day 42 years ago....Semper Fi

I graduated highschool in June of '74 but messed around for a year before I enlisted in Aug. 1975. I remember hearing about the Mayaguez Operation on the radio while I was working at a warehouse in East L.A.

Anyway, after boot camp and ITS I ended up in 2/9 in March of '76. There were still a few of the guys from the operation around that had not rotated back to the States yet and so I got to talk to them in person and hear a little bit about what you all went through.

I have a friend at work who was stationed at U Tapao and remembers the Marines coming through. We always keep the Mayaguez/Koh Tang Op in mind, especially at this time of year.

I'm sixty now, and anytime I start to feel old, I just think of the 42 years I've been lucky enough to have that the guys that didn't make it out never had.

With Respect and Best Wishes:
Ron Lunceford, SGT USMC
81mm Mortars 2/9
Camp Schwab, 76-77

[PART 2] I was watching all the chaos on the flight deck while it unfolded. It was starting to get dark now but still enough light to see. As the first helos arrived with the wounded I followed, thru the lens of my Yashica, the stretchers as I leaned over till they disappeared into the ships island. The first MAN seemed to be shot multiple times across his body, the second MAN appeared to have wounds to his lower extremities and so on. I NEVER COULD SNAP THOSE PHOTOS! The next morning after shift I went to the flight deck and took pictures of damaged helos. I remember the hanger deck with all the wounded. I remember the Marine who stayed with our division. He was quiet from trauma and shock most of the time. If he is out there I hope he sees this posting. GOD BLESS ALL OF THOSE (AND THEIR FAMILIES) WHO PAID THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE THAT DAY!!! YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN!!!