Koh Tang Mayaguez Vets Organization Guest Book

Just caught part of the Military History Program on TV. Started searching and found your site.
I'm PJ Imhof AMS1 USN (Ret.).
I'm looking for pictures for the four H-53's that landed on the USS CORAL SEA during the MAYAGUEZ Incident.
I am the person that repaired the #1 Engine fuel line on JG 43, by installing a piece of thick rubber hose and 4 automotive hose clamps.

While awaiting for the hose, I checked the other H-53's. The vCrew Chief of the second Helo to land called me over to look at a collar surrounding the Main Transmission Output Shaft, which had a hole from a round passing through. I downed that Helo and the other two H-53's were OK.

On The USS CORAL SEA, I was the Quality Assurance Rep. attached to HC-1 Det. 3.

I received a Letter of Commendation from my OinC, CDR Habich, which stemmed from USAF GEN. Paul K. Carlton.
Even though I was not in country, I would have liked to attend some of your Reunions.
In the 1980's I worked with one of the USAF Officers that was on one of the Helo's. His name is Mark Nelson. I would appreciate any leads in finding him.

Greetin's brothers who served in 2/9's during ops and 81's plt & Al Bailey.
Had Buck over for the 40 yrs show and James Draper really did nice nice job for all of us at GR Ford Museum. Outstanding.
Semper-Fi Gentlemen
Fast Harleys and hot Women are still in mass even these days.

Hard to believe it has been 40 years.
I raise a glass to all of my fallen brothers.
Semper Fi
Bob

Regards and much respect to the Mayaguez/Koh Tang vets, on this, the 40th anniversary of the action.

R.D. Lunceford
Former-SGT, USMC
81mm Mortars
2nd Bn. 9th Mar.
Camp Schwab, Okinawa
1976-77

Today we mark the 40th Anniversary of the Mayaguez Incident and the Battle of Kohtang. The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum will commemorate the occasion in several ways. Today (May 15, 2015) we offer free admission to all Mayaguez vets. We have on exhibit in our museum lobby a special display to commemorate this anniversary. Another display can be found at our library in Ann Arbor, MI. A new website dedicated to the Mayaguez Incident will launch in July. Thank you all for your service and your sacrifice.

Today is the day the book was closed and the last 41 were chosen. Always remembered! May they "Rest in Peace" and their families know they are not forgotten!

Right now I am on a six way conference call with my brothers. Dave Fowler in Ala. Al Bailey in MD, Doc Poore in Fla, me in SC, George Wagers in Ariz and Terry Brooks in Oregon. Amazing we can share our feelings now and from forty years ago. Love my brothers Semper Fi.

40 years ago was I aboard the USS Coral Sea CVA-43. I was an ABF-2 Purple Shirt. I remember the Recovery Operation like it was yesterday.

Joe, Gary, Danny you will never be forgotten. There is not a day that goes by that I do not think about you. Rest In Peace Fearless Warriors.

God Bless all that retuned home.

To al Brothers and Guests ;
40 years ago we were called upon to defend our country and fellow Americans. We all did our job to the best of our ability. The loss of 41 brothers is something we live with everyday and the 15th is a solemn one, but our brothers are at rest and while we honor them we must honor the fallen'sfamily and we must honor ourselves. The families of the fallen need our prayed and support as do each of us. May 15, 1975 we became Koh Tang brothers!!! As in all families we did not get to pick and chose. We may not get along at times but in the end WE are brothers forever!!! On this solemn day take moment pray and honor the fallen, the families and each other....
Semper Fi
Your Koh Tang Brother
George Wagers

Dear Brothers,

Forty years ago today we embarked on a mission for our country, without any reservations, to rescue our US citizens that had been taken hostage by the Khmer Rouge.

It has always troubled me that we lost so many of our brothers during those fateful days. I can speak for all involved, the United States Marine Corp, Air Force and Navy, that your brothers will never be forgotten. We all loved them and would trade places with them to enjoy the fruits of eternity.

My brothers who are now survivors hold dearly in their hearts their remembrance, and will honor their sacrifices until we receive our final orders.

Upon our final calling, we can all have another opportunity at hanging out together again. Today marks the anniversary of our mission, and I would like to propose a toast to all my brothers, both fallen and survived. At 1900 Central Daylight Time, please remove your covers and allow a moment of silence for our brothers that cannot be with us.

Dear Father, please take care of my brothers as they are your children of peace. Also Father, please watch over my survivor brothers and their families while we transition through life, for Father we know that while walking through life, whenever we look back, we know for sure that with a single pair of foot prints that you are carrying us and our heavy load. By your presence, we feel your strength. Amen.

David L. Fowler
President