For memorial day.... when I was stationed in Thailand in the 70s there came a time when volunteers were called for, a thing called the Mayaguez Incident. Being young and niave we lined up as to go get back our ship, they took the first 50 in line, my room mate and I were around 53 &54th in line, so we didnt go, in route, one of the choppers went down, and I lost some friends, last year the traveling Veitnam memorial wall came to town, and I found their names at the very end of the wall. considered to be the last battle of the Vietnam war. so this is for my buddies, you are not forgotten. I found this photo of my buddies online, I didnt know it existed, Its taken through the back of the chopper just before it left base. .The first casualties of the effort to free the MAYAGUEZ are recorded on May 13 when a helicopter carrying Air Force security team personnel crashed en route to Utapao, killing all 23 aboard.
A beautiful and loving tribute. Thank you for sharing and reminding us of the sacrifices that have been made by our young people...that never got the chance to age....God Bless You...Gloria
More than any other, this D-day has brought home what it must have been like. I have never known fear, but somehow understand how many Vets don't like to talk about it. These kind of personal stories give pause for thought. Thanks for posting.
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