Koh Tang Mayaguez Vets Organization Guest Book

Trying to find out why the crew of the USS Henry B. Wilson (DDG 7) never received a Combat Action Ribbon (CAR) for this Historic - Well Documented Combat Operation? Ships 1975 Cruise Book, Ships Log (May 15, 1975), After Action Report Documents; all state: Naval Gunfire Support with 5" 54 Guns (176 Rounds) in addition to machine gun fire support. Your assistance is appreciated!!

One reference: The Mayaguez Incident; Near Disaster at Koh Tang

The Wilson, located about 1,000 meters off the east coast of Koh Tang, fired 176 rounds of 5-inch fire in support of the isolated Marines. Seven hours after landing at Koh Tang, the Marines finally had their first naval gunfire support.

http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?Location=U2&doc=GetTRDoc.pdf&AD=ADA529638

To all MY BROTHERS

We gather together because we all share in a brotherhood. A brotherhood that nobody else can fully understand or appreciate. With out ever speaking to one another we know what is felt by one another. We share the same feeling of belonging, the same pain, the same sorrow, the same tears and the same joys. We are the survivors of a trip into HELL we have lifted above it and are now reaching out to our brothers who are still stuck in it. We HONOR our brothers who didn't survive that trip every morning when we wake and every evening before we sleep. We are brothers thicker then blood and I can see nothing that can drive a wedge between us. Our hearts speak volumes with never a word having to be spoken.

Semper FI
Doc Poore

My father, Maj. Joseph Isom, was apart of the air support during the Mayaguez battle. He was a "back-seater" in one of the F-4's during the mission. He spoke of it on just a few occassions. Unfortunately he died in 1997 of cancer. I'm not sure but I think he might be in one of the photographs in the picture section. I also have photographs in my possession that look a lot like the ones of the airbase in Thailand.

All, I got a late fathers day present from Jeremy Morris, Jeremy has been around at all of our gatherings in Odon. I could not believe what he sent to all of us.

To my Koh Tang Friends and Brothers

We see you crying Soldier, but we don’t know your pain. We say we know your loneliness for that you were never trained. Lack of words of wisdom or words to explain. I lay awake and think of my friends and brothers that served on that tiny island they called Koh Tang.
The honor, courage and respect you all have taught me. Make freedom worth fighting for. I cherished every minute and pray for many more.

Jeremy Morris
“Father’s Day 2012”

Semper Fidelis to all of you. you are not and will never be forgotten to those of us who wear the EGA today. you are all heroes to us because you were there...different war, different time, but still there...in combat, something that most of us current day grunts know about. i was in F 2/9 from '04 to '07 at Lejeune when we stood 9th Marines back up and we still used the "Hell in a Helmet" slogan and they still do to this day. Semper Fidelis brothers...thank you for serving when others wouldn't. We'll always look up to you warriors.

I am assisting a Navy corpsman that participated in the Mayaquez rescue to file for VA benefits. There is nothing in his records that he participated in this rescue. He was part of a "black ops" team. Is there a list somewhere of the Marines and Navy personnel who were part of the rescue? Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.

Great site. Was at Korat in 75, F-4 weapons. Sorry we could not do more.. has always been a soft spot for you.

god bless the Cor

Kudos to the 56th Security Forces Squadron, Luke AFB for conducting their annual remembrance ceremony this past Friday, May 18th. Every year at the base flag pole airmen, ncos, officers, pilots, cops, chaplains, retirees, veterans, family members stand at attention in the incredible heat as the names are read. The ceremony takes only 20 minutes. But, it says volumes about the officers and enlisted folks of the 56th Wing, who, every year, take time to honor those they never met. My roommate Gerry Fritz, and all those guys won't ever be forgotten. We were soldiers once, and young. Go to Luke's web page every April/early May for ceremony information. Thank you.

had a great time in branson.glad to see you guys again.hope to see you all at the next one. carl odom l/cpl g 2/9