Koh Tang Mayaguez Vets Organization Guest Book

Forty years ago I was a USAF photo interpreter with the 14TRS at Udorn. I was woken at 3am on 13 May 1975 and told to report for work. I looked at film from off the coast of Cambodia. I knew something was important when General Baxter came into the interpretation unit and looked over my shoulder at the images of the Mayaguez dead in the water. That film was from the first of 16 sorties flown by the 14th TRS crews over the next two days. We worked very hard over the following days to provide the best intelligence we could from the film taken. Unfortunately, as has been well documented, most of the intelligence from us and other sources never got to the Marines. I think of this often with dismay and sadness.
I have visited the Vietnam Veterans Memorial only once and stared at those last names with tears in my eyes.
Lest we forget.

I was Mission Commander on ZE - 6, the VP-17 P-3 that located the Mayaguez anchored off Poula Wai islands the morning of May 13, 1975. We took .50 cal. Thru vertical stabilizer and tracked Mayaquez to Koh Tang island before low fuel forced a landing in Utapao.
I did not know this website existed. Many sobering memories of that operation 40 years ago. A trip back to Koh Tang would be difficult for me to re-live. Best wishes to my brothers making the trip.
Keep the faith.

To all brothers and guests, this is a week of reflection for our brothers we lost and to the ones that have lived with memories every day for the last 40 years. Friday will be the culmination of those memories and I would like to ask everyone to take time on Friday for a moment of silence not only for the 41 lost, but for each of our brothers where ever they may be.
Semper Fi to all ......
PS: please wear your Koh Tang Mayaguez shirts if you have one.

I'm glad to see photos of the Koh Tang Beach Club. I did not know this great group of brothers were here. I was a PJ on Jolly 13.

Godspeed and safe travels to our Brothers as they return to Koh Tang this week to commemorate the Fortieth Anniversary of the Battle. May they have a memorable trip.

Mark from Surprise, Az I belive I was on that chopper when it landed on the Coral Sea call me if you would like to talk Semper Fi. 928-920-7766

Hello Daniel Spahn, I salute u n all military that was there in Saigon. I was inserted earlier in April along with 40 marines. I was Golf 2/9 then attached to C 1/9 for the insertion in p/c. Semper Fi

One more note. Today Cedar Rapids has a "Welcome Home" at the Veterans Colosseum at noon. I will be attending and wearing my Koh Tang T-shirt. Also remembering the last 2 Marine Embassy guards 1 of whom was from Marshalltown.

Today is April 30th, 40 years since the Fall of Saigon, Just a note of remembrance for those who were there. Larry I know you were not sure of others. For those travelling next month, "Safe Travels"!

The May 2015 issue of VFW Magazine has a four page article On Koh Tang, page 36. I I am attempting to get this article shared on Facebook and placed here. This month, when we recognize the 40th Anniversary of our operation, may be a difficult time for many of us. Know that those who were there share your feelings. Let us use this forum to help one another. Semper Fi.