Koh Tang Mayaguez Vets Organization Guest Book

Thank you Tom Noble for your response to my CAR request… I doubt that anyone but myself will have the patience to submit a request.

R I P Milton "Snooky" Dunscomb
"...And when he gets to heaven, to St. Peter he will tell: Another Marine reporting, Sir, I've spent my time in hell..."
Semper Fi!!!

My husband, Darryl Witwer, was a trouble shooter from USS CORAL SEA. Thank you for reaching out to him. He posted here on May 15 before we knew he had Lung Cancer with multiple organ involvement. He died June 22, 2021, but because of your contact, he knew had made a difference. I shall always be in your debt for allowing him to leave this world with more peace.

Mrs. Darryl (Marsha) Witwer

In Response to Mr. Hoey's request for the organization to pursue the Combat Action Ribbon for blue water units. In 1975 the criteria was simple for award of the CAR, (Be fired upon by the enemy and return fire). However since then a directive put out by the Commandant of the Marine Corps states that blue water units, in addition to others, may be eligible for the CAR. After investigation and conferring with the Board of Directors we feel that the individual unit involved should be the one that submits the request. Of all the after action awards that we found this was the case. No where did we find a veterans organization submitting a request. We recommend that you contact someone like retired Admiral J.M. Rodgers or some other senior officer. However again we feel that in is not correct for the KTMVO to get involved in your request. Additionally, all must remember that the KTMVO is non-paid volunteers with limited, mostly donated resources.

Was honored to be able to attend and to Escort Terry's Koh Tang Truck to the Museum for Military Vehicles in DuBoise Wyoming. It was humbling to meet the 5 survivors that attended the dedication. I was on the USS COral Sea CVA-43 from 1967-1970, never heard about her being involved in this Rescue Operation, "So Glad She Was" Plan on making many trips over the next few years to see this Museum with my Grand Kids and Great Grandkids. Will always remember May 15th 2021. God Bless and keep all those who were there that day. Semper Fortutis

I am the helo troubleshooter, ( Helo Combat Sqdrn 1 ) USS Coral Sea, May 1975. who did fuel line repair during SS Mayaguez operation. I am 77 and retired Navy Air. Tried telling my story, is too long for guest book. Where do I tell my story ??

46 years ago we watched as you boarded the 53s. It should be us.

46 years ago we waited for word. It should be us.

46 years ago, chopper down Northeast of U-Tapao. It's time for us.

46 years ago 12 left for the chopper. A time for us.

46 years ago the Mayaguez was boarded. That could be us.

46 years ago the crew was released. That could have been us.

46 years ago we watched as some choppers were returning. That should have been us.

46 years ago we watched battle worn Marines disembark. That could have been us.

46 years ago we watched Marines help one another. That should have been us.

46 years ago wounded Marines were taken to the Base Hospital. That could have been us.

46 years ago 15 men gave their lives on Koh Tang. That should have been us.

46 years ago 3 men were lost in the withdrawal. That could have been us.

46 years later I still say it should have and could have been us.

46 years later I still ask why shouldn't it or couldn't it have been us?

In closing I say to all the men 1/4th and 2/9th BLT on that day. Thank you for being there with us and most definitely for us. Most of all for the sacrifices you made that day. You are thought of daily.

Semper Fi Marines

It's been 46 years since this Historical "Top Secret" Operation... After 24 hours of Firefights, 154 rounds of 5" 54 HE, and 60,000 Rounds of .50 cal.- The USS Henry B. Wilson (DDG-7) and crew have never been recognized or awarded the Combat Action Ribbon (CAR) for their heroic efforts in Combat on MAY 15, 1975. Your Koh Tang organization has the ability to sponsor a request to Congress to have this finally corrected before we all die off. The Combat Action Ribbon was awarded to 51 ships who participated in the Gulf War however; no ships to my knowledge ever had to fire a single round or were actually in harm's way. Why has the USS Henry B. Wilson (DDG-7) Ship and Crew been forgotten? We were actually in Combat! Many of us who there on May 15, 1975 suffer from long-term effects of PTSD. Time to get this fixed!
Respectfully - CWO4 (OPS TECH)/LT (Surface Ops) LDO. I was an Operations Specialist Three (OS3) on May 15, 1975 and OS1 Tom Noble was my Leading Petty Officer (LPO).

This day will never be forgotten by those involved and their families!

May 15 again and it still feels like yesterday. Hang in there my brothers. Semper Fi