Koh Tang Mayaguez Vets Organization Guest Book

Thank you all for your sacrifices.

USS DENVER (LPD9) 1975 COMMAND HISTORY

The link below will take you to the 1975 Command History of USS Denver (LPD9). It may be of interest to those members of BLT 2/9 who were aboard Denver during our scheduled routine deployment in the summer of 1975. I think it is really interesting that on 18 April there is no mention of the 30’ gash put on the side of Denver while trying to pull away from White Beach without tug support. Also, there is no mention of why we were two weeks in port at Yokosuka to repair that gash on 18 July. Then it really gets stupid when the fire under decks, which occurred on July 31, is describe simply as “…a rather major fire in the after engine room…” The fact that we were dead in the water for nearly six hours, all of the tires of vehicles in the well deck were blown, and one prop shaft was fused to the housing doesn’t seem to be important and are never mentioned. Also, no mention of the fact that Denver literally dumped us ashore at Pohang because they wanted to get back to Sasabo before a major typhoon hit. It is no wonder why the information in many histories should be considered dubious at best. Really discusting… #@*%! or copy & paste into your browser:

http://www.history.navy.mil/shiphist/d/lpd-9/1975.pdf

Brothers,
Lt. Col. James H. Davis was laid to rest in Quantico National Cemetery at 1400 hours today. Present were Marines who have served with Col. Davis over his entire career. In addition, many friends, family and other work associates were there to pay tribute.

The Marines from Quantico did an awesome job with the burial detail and It was performed in the finest Marine Corps Tradition. The floral arrangements were there and the family wanted me to make sure and pass along their thanks to everyone for the thoughts and prayers that have been offered up for them.

Al and Tina Bailey were able to make it and provided very lovely cards to the family. Mike Cicere was also able to make it. All in all, it was a wonderful and upbeat sendoff as Col. Davis would have wanted it to be. His two oldest sons Chris and Jimmy provided some very lighthearted stories that I am sure will be shared at the next reunion.

Rest in peace Marine, I am certain your new billet is a deserving one. Semper Fi and you will be in our thoughts always.

Brothers,
I am here in Quantico and have made all the floral arrangements so that the KTMVO and the Golf Gorilla's will be properly represented. If anyone is attending and needs additional information, contact me at 763-458-3892

Attention, Golf Company, We should all be happy for Capt Davis for his new promotion and PCS to heaven so there will be NO sad faces and we will throw a promotion party for Capt Davis. "Dog Tags will be Checked"

Good Morning Brothers. After coping with shock and extreme sadness at our great loss, I want to share my thoughts on Capt Davis as well. Each of us have those select few who have had a deep impact on our lives. Jim Davis had more of a profound effect on my life than he probably knew.

When the Beach Club was in its infancy, Joe Guilmartin was my first face to face contact. Joe still had contact with Jim Davis and other Marines associated with Tang. Joe gathered us all at Ft. Walton Beach, FL. Jim was there Dick Keith, Tim Trebil, Gunny Mac and a host of others. attended as well. After a six pack and three bloody marys I talked with Jim and let him know that I had grown up more in 1975 than I had any other time and I wanted to say thank you. At the end of the reunion I shook his hand and again said thank you. Jim reminded me that "growth was a lifetime process." That simple statement sustained me through a lot of difficult times.

Jim and I talked again at the D.C. reunion. For various personal reasons I had become very despondent. I was questioning my worthiness to be a part of our organization. After the banquet, I was speaking with Dick Keith and Jim came up and said that I "was just as much a part of the Beach Club as anyone else." And that I needed to understand that or "I told Dick Keith to kick your ass."

With a very heavy heart, I have lowered my flag to half staff. Rest in Peace Sir.

I am so sorry to hear of Capt. Davis passing on. I know what the family is going through cause I also lost my older brother on Jan. 25th. It hurts bad and will for awhile.

Semper Fi
Terry&Kathy

Sat, February 11, 2012 09:31

Brothers,
it is with the heaviest of heart that I post this message. I was just contacted by family of Captain James H. Davis and informed that he has passed away. It just happened and the family is still coping with this terrible loss.

I will be in contact first thing in the morning to gather the logistical information regarding the services. I do know from having spoken with Jim many times he wished to be laid to rest at Quantico.

Although I am certain that each and every one of us will have an emptiness in their hearts that can never be filled, we can all carry the thought that this incredible Warrior, is finally at peace and can find his life everlasting that he so deserves. God Bless you my brother, you will be missed always! Semper Fi


Update.
I have received further information regarding Jim Davis and the arrangements. There will be a service on Tuesday February 14, 2012 at 12:30pm at the Ebenezer Methodist Church located at 161 Embrey Rd, Stafford, VA. This will be followed by burial at The Veterans Cemetery in Quantico, VA at 2:00pm.

The family has asked me to extend this information out to everyone and let us know we are welcome to attend. Following the burial, there will be a gathering back at the family home. Contact me for specific information if you need it. 763-458-3892.

I will be taking care of floral arrangements on behalf of the Beach Club. I will also be attending so hopefully I will see some of you there.

“…If the Army and the Navy
Ever look on Heaven’s scenes;
They will find the streets are guarded by
UNITED STATES MARINES”

St. Gabriel is really going to have his hands full now! With both Gunny Mac and the Skipper there, heaven is in for a rude awakening. Maybe now they can have, together, that beer they missed in Subic.

“Saepe Expertus, Semper Fidelis, Fratres Aeterni”
“Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever”

Edd Prothro, MSgt USMC Ret.

Marine Jim Davis led Marines into a rough battle. His men were under fire continuously, and some were lost and wounded. For the rest of their lives, the Marine survivors have taken every opportunity to express their respect and even love for their commander of that day. A tremendous thing for this AF guy to see and understand. It's the greatest tribute to a man I could imagine. Rich Comer, JG 12, MajGen, USAF, Retired