Messages 101-200
The following are messages received from guest to our website:
Messages 101-200
The following are
messages received from guest to our website:
200
Name: tina marie (lester)hurt From: hometown indpls, now wa state
Comments: I served as a USNavy dental technician DT2 from
1974-1979 and then did six in the USNR. I had friends onboard the
USS BLUERIDGE-LCC-19 during the evac. I would like to know if any
of you marine or navy types were aboard her
or have pics or knowlege of anyone who was. I just returned from
Vietnam on a trip with VETS WITH A MISSION. It was the best trip
I have ever taken in my life. Thanks for a great website. It was
good to have served alongside. -tinamarie (DT2thfairy:)
199
Name: Woody L. Pounders
From: Lebanon, Ohio
Comments: I was in the Army, that makes us all brothers
198
Name: V.G. Mish
From: Wheatfield,NY
Comments: Was on MSG Duty from 4/75-6/77, Co "D" AmEmb
Bogota, Colombia. Had just barely entered on duty when Saigon
fell. Had just graduated MSG School Class 5-75. Distinctly
remember having a few cold ones with McMahon @ the
"Geedunk", Henderson Hall before we shipped out to our
Detachments. LCpl Kieth Fulton came to Bogota from the Saigon
Detachment........ MSG Duty is the finest duty in the U.S. Marine
Corps, nah.....in the entire U.S. military. Semper Fi.......
197
Name: Scott Berry
From: Mena, Arkansas
Comments: I like your page a lot and wish there were more sites
about the USMC.
Semper Fidelis
196
Name: Robert Zaun
From: Pennsylvania
Comments: Served in '73-'74. It was real great to read names like
Keith Hemberley, Neil Wynn, Tony Tucci, Ken Geagley, Bispo, and
many more. Brings back many memories, and feelings of pride to
serve with outstanding Marines. Has anyone heard from "Dirty
Harry" better known as 1st Lt. William Holister or 1st Lt.
Larry Wright? I would welcome any information or contact from
anyone who served at the Embassy. Outstand site
Marines......Semper Fi.
195
Name: Samantha Crowell
Comments: I was 4yrs old when my father was assigned to Saigon
(Donald Hays- Admin Officer)we were evacuated out in 75. Even
though I was a little girl, I will never forget what you did for
us. I have since gone on to marry a marine who was on MSG duty in
Bonn when we met. Thank you!
194
Name: Ben
From: Maine
Comments: Nice page
193
Name: Leon Feltham
From: Taegu, South KOrea
Comments: Visited the old U.S. Embassy site in Saigon, Vietnam on
12/29/98 and it has been demolished to the ground.kind of
disappointed that I never saw it. Nice
site!!!!
192
Name: Sharon Williams
From: Wakefield, RI
Comments: As a life Associate member of Chapter 325 Vietnam
Veterans, all I can say is Welcome Home.
191
Name: Bill Grandmont
From: Boston Mass
Time: 1999-02-08 12:45:45
Comments: semper fi..!!! ..just a note for mr. Rapp....Cpl James
Marshall lest we all forget, died on the embassy roof in Saigon
during the tet offensive in 68..... as i have always maintained,
what a lot of history/color not only for the Marine Corps itself,
but for the Marine Security Guard Battalion as well... i've often
wondered myself, how come the men who were there during that
historic period never "formed" a group of their
own...website, etc etc etc...... the first and probably only time
in history that an american embassy was intentionally attacked by
an armed aggressor with the sole purpose of "taking"
that embassy..!!! as always... a real good site here
former msg, gysgt usmc
190
Name: Ken Rapp
From: Virginia Beach
Comments: Great site and tribute to all who served there. There
was at least one other MSG killed at the embassy. During the TET
offensive a marine was killed by a granade blast while on the
roof of the embassy garage. His roommate, who was on the roof
beside him when killed, relieved me in 68 while at the US Mission
to
NATO, Brussels. I am sorry I don't remember either marine's name.
Maybe someone does?
189
Name: Cpt.Asoka Samarasinghe srilanka army
From: SRI LANKA
Time: 1999-02-07 19:06:52
Comments: Private!!! -Click to View-
188
Name: philip a deteresi
From: irvine ca
Comments: a big part of my early life in usmc op new life too. it
tooktook 24
187
Name: sean
From: sacramento
Comments: Private!!! -Click to View-
186
Name: Steven E. Johnson
From: Salt Lake City
Comments: Was a member of the Ambassador's Personal Security Unit
from 1974 to 1975 before being evacuated during the Fall of
Saigon
185
Name: Steven E. Johnson
Comments: Send me an email Colin.
184
Name: Jason Albarado
From: Dadeville, AL
Comments: This site is a really great site to learn about Vietnam
183
Name: Jason Albarado
From: Dadeville, AL
Comments: This site is a really great site to learn about Vietnam
POW
182
Name: Natalia Valles
From: Santa Maria, CA
Comments: Private!!! -Click to View-
181
Name: Marc Israel Castro
From: Philippines
Time: 1999-01-23 06:55:17
Comments: Private!!! -Click to View-
180
Name: Steven E. Mckinley Colonel,USMCR
Referred by: Yahoo!
From: Richmond, Virginia
Comments: I was a 2nd Lieutenant during Operation Frequend Wind
and was assigned as the "Sparrow Hawk" Platoon
Commander. 29 marines and I flew aboard two 46's into the embassy
where we hovered over the compound while everyone was put aboard
helicopters. When the final embassy marines departed we
followed them out. I was originally assigned to "A"
Company, First Battalion, Ninth Marines aboard the USS Bluerigde
before going into Saigon.
179
Name: Thomas Butler
Referred by: Yahoo!
From: North Bay, Ontario, Canada
Comments: Just had to give my respects for the Marines that gave
their lives in the
Vietnam War.
178
Name: LANCE
From: CANADA
Comments: GOOD PAGE
177
Name: Gunilla Lindh
From: Sweden
Time: 1999-01-15 15:12:09
Comments: Hello. I´m wrighting a big essay about the FALL OF
SAIGON. I´m trying to get in thouch with somebody that was there
or know anything about it. I would be very greatful and honored
if anyone of you would like to help me. Gunilla
176
Name: Tim Nguyen
From: Houston, Texas
Time: 1999-01-13 18:43:32
Comments: Please correct spelling for BIEN HOA not Bein Hoa.
Thanks for having this homepage.
175
Name: Lee Helle
Website: Charlie Company
Comments: A well thought out page, its nice to see Viet Vets
getting their messages
out.
174
Name: Josh Diseth
From: North Dakota
Comments: Just a fan of the U.S. Marines.
173
Name: Henryk Diaz
From: Central America
Comments: th fall of Saiogon was what i call an "innevitable
mistake"
172
Name: Dwight Thomas Powers
From: orig.Levittown,NY,now Long Beach,NY
Comments: I am A Marine Vietnam Veteran;Vietnam 4/68 to 5/69.I am
am a member of Vietnam Veterans ofAmerica,Chapter 82.Semper Fi!
171
Name: kathy tarancon
Referred by: Yahoo!
From: washington
Comments: I am the wife of a marine that was at the fall of
saigon I have not heard from him in many years. I am trying to
find him he was in Platoon 3086 U.S. Marine Corps San Diego 1972
his name is James T Brown .If you can help THANKS
170
Name: Robert C. Pike
From: Canyon Country, California
Comments: I was a member of HMH-463 aboard U.S.S. Hancock under
the command of Lt. Col Herb Fix. I was a Cpl. Just thought I
would drop in and say hi after all this time.
169
Name: bill grandmont
From: gloucester Massachussetts
Comments: semper fi men, and happy holidays.. for steve hasty, i
was a sgt at the embassy and left some time in 72, i think it was
march or april but i don't remember you...perhaps you arrived
some time after i departed at any rate,i've been to this site
before, its a good one for sure, number one i'd say... happy
holidays to you all
168
Name: Steve Hasty
Referred by: From a Friend
Comments: Congratulations on a well-done site. I served as an MSG
with the Saigon Embassy in 72 & 73, and as NCOIC of the Det
at Can Tho from its establishment in 1974 up through the
evacuation. It's hard to believe that it's been almost a quarter
of a century since then. I'm currently still on active duty as a
LtCol, currently attending the Naval War College. I've
periodically seen some of the other Can Tho MSG's over the years,
but I believe all have gotten out or retired by now. I had the
pleasure of seeing Amb. (former Consul General) Terry McNamara at
his book-signing party in Washington DC last year (His book is
"Escape With Honor", by Brassey's). Regards to all who
served.
167
Name: Bill Moran
From: West Virginia
Comments: I served aboard the USS Bausell DD845 during the
evacuation of Saigon and the Mayaguez Incedent. While refueling
with the USS Coral Sea in the Gulf of Siam we had to send seasick
pills over to the carrier because the carrier boys were sick from
watching our tin-can from being tossed about in the Indian
Ocean"s notorious swells!!!!!
166
Name: Timothy R. Beck
Referred by: From a Friend
From: Dallas, TX
Comments: Private!!! -Click to View
165
Name: Donna Smith
From: Norfolk, Virginia
Time: 1998-12-10 12:51:19
Comments: Very nice web page. I had to search some information
concerning Marines and ran across this one. Good job. -- Donna
164
Name: james a. byrne L/CPL USMC
Referred by: From a Friend
From: LORTON, va
Comments: SEMPER-FIDELIS
163
Name: Tom Batchelor
From: Chicago
Comments: Thanks
162
Name: GySgt Schroeder, Christopher R.
Comments: Semper Fi
161
Name: Kevin M. Maloney
Referred by: From a Friend
From: Massachusetts
Comments: Do you know some of our missing Saigon MSGs? Help us
make contact again: MSgt Andre Stringer USMC Ret Maryland GySgt
Ronald Mayfield USMC Ret North Carolina Cpl. Otis L. Holmes
Florida Thanks Kevin
160
Name: B stubbs
Comments: oops, sorry for the repeats, new at this computer
159
Name: Ssg. Bruce Stubbs
From: Oklahoma
Comments: I was in the Army in viet nam, Special Forces, had a
Mntyrd interpteter name Bre. After i left nam he went to work for
the Marines, got out of nam atop the embasy, one of you saved his
life, and i'm greatful, we still chat, after all these years,seen
him 3 or 4 times. If you think you knew him , e mail me if you
want, I have his address, if you want it, he lives in Alaska, a
cold ass place if your from Nam. Thanks for saving his life. Ssg
Bruce Stubbs 5th S.F.G.A Viet Nam 1972
158
Name: Ssg. Bruce Stubbs
From: Oklahoma
Time: 1998-11-26 18:06:41
Comments: I was in the Army in viet nam, Special Forces, had a
Mntyrd interpteter name Bre. After i left nam he went to work for
the Marines, got out of nam atop the embasy, one of you saved his
life, and i'm greatful, we still chat, after all these years,seen
him 3 or 4 times. If you think you knew him , e mail me if you
want, I
have his address, if you want it, he lives in Alaska, a cold ass
place if your from Nam. Thanks for saving his life. Ssg Bruce
Stubbs 5th S.F.G.A Viet Nam 1972
157
Name: Ssg. Bruce Stubbs
From: Oklahoma
Comments: I was in the Army in viet nam, Special Forces, had a
Mntyrd interpteter name Bre. After i left nam he went to work for
the Marines, got out of nam atop the embasy, one of you saved his
life, and i'm greatful, we still chat, after all these years,seen
him 3 or 4 times. If you think you knew him , e mail me if you
want, I have his address, if you want it, he lives in Alaska, a
cold ass place if your from Nam. Thanks for saving his life. Ssg
Bruce Stubbs 5th S.F.G.A Viet Nam 1972
156
Name: Keith Parker
From: Newark, De
Comments: Served with Gary (Turk) Lindholm after saigon, hope
your out there,
drop me a line. Semper Fi.
155
Name: Sarah S
Referred by: Yahoo!
From: Bolton (England)
Comments: Private!!! -Click to View-
154
Name: Robert w Sauer Jr
Referred by: From a Friend
From: Jacksonville, NC
Comments: I droped Kevin Maloney a line, I was asking about
reunions and he told me about this site. I was at the Embassy
from Nov 69-Nov 70. Would be great to hear from anybody from that
time frame, thanks. BOB
153
Name: bill grandmont
From: Gloucester MA
Comments: semper fi men: this is my 2nd perhaps 3rd visit. i was
a sgt on duty at the em bassy in saigon from 1972 - 1973. I was
also ncoic for a while at the consulgen in danang for about eight
months i got lots of memories of the place, will have to get back
there before i leave... i do enjoy being able to make
"connections" with that part of my past .....keeping up
with the details/history is great........ keep up
the good work
152
Name: Mike StClair Major USMC Ret'd
Comments: I was an MSG in Saigon from 59-61. Can anyone tell me
if the cook and our servants made it out? Would like to hear from
anyone who was around back then. It was pretty good duty before
the war.
151
Name: Carter E. Sokup
From: We are in South Carolina
Comments: Hello to all Marines!!! I have been trying to find out
how to get in contact with the Marines who had been on Embassy
duty in Saigon. I look forward to hearing from some of you its
been a long time. SemperFi!!!
150
Name: LTC J.F. Arata, USAR
Website: REF: Sgt. Anthony Tucci, USMC
From: South Florida
Time: 1998-11-14 12:03:36
Comments: Not on the last helicopter, but close. I re-visit this
site to review the guest book from time to time. I spent 13
months as a Saigon MSG (extended) and I want to let anyone
interested in knowing that the name Sgt. ANTHONY TUCCI, USMC
needs to be added to the record of heros of APR75. Sgt. TUCCI was
a
Saigon MSG Squad L eader; the old fashion type, one who trained
Marines hard,everyday, taught them how to "Keep their s...t
together" and "Stay alive". Sgt TUCCI was
transfered out of Saigon before the evacuation, but not before
teaching me how to "Survive in a hostile environment".
Many a Saigon MSG owes his life to
Sgt. Anthony TUCCI; I am gratefull to have been trained by him
and lucky to have met him. More importently my nine year old son
is able to be gratefull as well. I have since served in many
military positions, and many a Marine, Sailor and Soldier, as
well as my family know of Sgt. Tony TUCCI, as I still quote him
to this day.
"Practice", he would say, "It's just
practice." To Sgt.TUCCI: Thank you Sir. Also thanks to Mr.
Tucci, his dad, who would write to us on toilet paper, "To
keep us humble".
149
Name: pv2 wilder
From: ft. huachuca, az
Comments: i was looking for info on a report about tet offensive.
148
Name: Mike Jones
From: Tulsa, Oklahoma
Comments: I was a L/Cpl. then attached to the 31st MEU. We were
on the USS OKINAWA for operation Freqent Wind & Eagle Pull. I
would like to get more information about these operations, if
anyone can help please let me know. Thank - you Former Cpl.
Michael K. Jones
147
Name: Paulo Caldeira
Referred by: From a Friend
From: Portugal
Comments: Very good site!!. Just to give one minute of silence
for the those people that were in vietnam. With my respect. Paulo
Caldeira
146
Name: bill grandmont
From: gloucester MASS
Comments: whatever happened to the quarters called "Marshall
Hall" in Saigon, it was on hung thap tu street ?? what
happened to the exterior guard platoon's quarters at chien si
circle ????? i've got some great photos of both those locations..
i miss saigon and da nang....gotta get back somehow or other...
reading stories about the
evac, as i read descript ions of the building, brings back the
old memories.. i knew it like the back of my hand, as well as the
surrounding area outside and around the embassy grounds....i was
certainly shocked to see the way things ended up in rvn, but then
again reading history, and hindsight being 22/20 i guess we were
destined to
lose that one..... what a debacle....HAPPY BIRTHDAY, long live
the CORPS SEMPER FI
The Fall of Saigon
145
Name: William M. Carey ( Buddy)
Referred by: Yahoo!
From: Peabody,Mass
Comments: Hi there all former MSG's I was in Tehran In 78-79 and
Vienna from 79-81,looking for any old buddies I have lost along
the way,Mike Laurent ,my roomate from Iran,Last known as a cop in
Dade County Florida,originally from NH anyone seen him email me
please.Also looking for Mike Rayfield.I wonder do they
still have the TGIF's like they used too? Of course they were
called (SHIT) when I was in the Mideast (Sure Happy Its Thursday)
if you were there you would know.Looking for any old Buds out
there!
144
Name: MARK A. HYLER
From: CAMP LEJEUNE, NORTH CAROLINA
Comments: I WOULD JUST LIKE TO SAY THAT THIS IS A GREAT WEB SITE.
I WAS STATIONED AT MARINE BARRACKS, NWS CONCORD CA. IN
"75" AND REMEMBER READING ALOT ABOUT WHAT WAS GOING ON
IN VIET NAM. YOU ARE AN INSPIRATION TO OUR COUNTRY
AND OUR CORPS! SEMPER FIDELIS GUNNERY SERGEANT OF MARINES
143
Name: bill grandmont
From: Gloucester, Mass
Comments: 12 years in Marine Corps, couple of tours on embassy
duty, got out a gysgt shortly after a tour in leningrad ussr.
Served with CoE, i was a sgt, in saigon, did two years there.
during that time i helped organize the short/exterior guard force
at the consulate in DaNang. not to be confused, i was an MSG,NOT
exterior guard
platoon... hey whats this "ribbon" thing???? do MSG's
have their own decoration/medal now???? and how long since this
was authorized????? do i get to "claim" it too... i
would also like to hook up with others who served there....who's
the reunion for...?? just the "bugout" Marines??
Record 142
Name: justin mclean
From: Hong Kong, NY
Comments: Private!!! -Click to View-
141
Name: justin mclean
Referred by: Just Surfed On In
From: Hong Kong, NY
Comments: Private!!! -Click to View-
140
Name: Michael D. Burroughs MM3
Website: Burroughs Family
Referred by: Net Search
From: New Jersey
Comments: I served on the USS Mobile LKA-115 during Operation
Frequent Wind. I was on flight deck proximity suit duty for most
of the evacuation. It's nice to know there is a web page
dedicated to this operation. You guys have done a great job. I'd
like to contact anyone who served on the Mobile between September
74
-August 76. Or anyone who has photographs of the evacuation from
the Mobile or of the Mobile during this operation. Peace
139
Name: SLai
From: Vietnam
Comments: KIA will not be forgotten and will be remembered
forever in many of us. I lived and grew up in SaiGon, American
Embassy was seen everyday on my way to school. I served in South
Vietnam Special Force in 1972, captured by VC in 1974. Escaped
prison 1978. My hats off to the sacrifices made by the men and
women who gave their lives and parts of their body in the
interest of the U.S.A. in Vietnam. You have a great page.
138
Name: Rick Schrubey
From: Wisconsin
Comments: Private!!! -Click to View-
137
Name: John W.Kirchner,Sgt
Referred by: From a Friend
From: Naples, FL
Comments: Hi Guys! Was feeling kinda down so I thought I would do
the visit. Miss you guys alot. The site is getting better and
better each time I return. Are you guys ready for a reunion... I
think it is time. After all it has only been 23 years. Love to
hear from anyone in the Saigon or Can Tho Detach. E-Mail Me.
Later!! John W.
Kirchner Saigon 1974/Can Tho 1974-April 29 1975
136
Name: Donnell J. Merkle
Referred by: Yahoo!
From: Amboy, Washington
Comments: Private!!! -Click to V
135
Name: Robert Kienietz
Website: Marine Embassy Guard Asssociation
From: Colorado
Comments: I hope all elig. Embassy Marines will join our
association. We are planning a reunion at Quantico for the 50th
year of the MSG program on Feb 17-19
1999
134
Name: Miah
Referred by: Net Search
From: Missoula Montana
Comments: My hats offf to the noble sacrifices made by the men
and women who gave thier lives in the interest of the U.S.A. My
heart out to those who suffered the loss of fallen heroes the
most, the ones who live with the memories.
133
Name: JOSEPH ZELLER
From: NEW YORK
Comments: Gentleman, I was a RADIOMAN aboard the USS HANCOCK in
the south china sea during the evacuation of SAIGON. Although I
was NAVY...I was very proud of the MARINES that went in to do
what was needed.... GOD BLESS YOU
132
Name: CWO2 Terry Hall
From: Pearl Harbor Hawaii
Comments: My hat is off to all of you. Your courage and sacrifice
that you endure was great and I justed wanted to say, Thanks for
Serving, Thanks for your sacrifice from someone who was 10 when
Saigon fell.
131
Name: Harry Huggins
From: Atlanta, GA
Comments: Outstanding site, an honor to be participating Sgt.
Harry Huggins
130
Name: Gunny Mike
Website: Gunny Mike's Salute
From: Florida
Comments: Outstanding!!!!!!-------All gave some and some gave
all. Hand Salute
from Gunny Mike
129
Name: Vernon E. Shimanek Jr
From: Elwood, Iowa
Comments: Just came across this site. Iwas from Bravo Company,
3rd Engineer Bn , TAD to HQ & Srvc Co, 3rd Tank Bn,
Detachment "U" aboard the USS Dubuque (LPD 8) during
Operation Frequent Wind. The day Siagon fell is a day I will
always remember. Later we returned to PI and boarded the SS
Greenwave loaded with
5,000 Vietamese Refugees and transported them to Gaum were the
Marine Barracks personnel allowed us the use of thier Rec Room
for sleeping quarters piror to our return to Okinawa. Thank You
and Semper Fi, Vernon Shimanek Jr/Lister, Jeff Ishee, Brayn
Morrow, Kick, you guys out there?
128
Name: Tom O'Leary
From: Bridgeport, Ct.
Time: 1998-09-21 00:15:28
Comments: I received the armed forces expeditionary medal for
participating in operation Frequent Wind as a member of 3/9
Marines
127
Name: James Salvador
From: Los Olivos Ca
Comments: My son told me about this page he is currently serving
with the marine corps at the U.S. embassy in Yaounde Cameroon
Africa.
126
Name: Richard McLaughlin
Website: Richard.McLaughlin.net
From: Paris France, and formerly the Corps
Time: 1998-09-17 18:01:51
Comments: I have recently started helping on the EmbassyMarine
Web page (www.EmbassyMarine.org). To increase the information
that is interesting for new MEGA members, I would like former
MSGs to write your favorite MSG story, and forward it to me by
e-mail. I will include them on the EmbassyMarine site on the
basis of One Post, One Page. Scanned photos are welcome. Hope to
hear from you soon. Semper Fi, mac
The Fall of Saigon
125
Name: Kurt Sutton
From: Indianapolis, In
Comments: Private!!! -Click to View-
124
Name: g young
From:
Time: 1998-09-10 20:06:08
Comments: Private!!! -Click to View-
123
Name: Te Van Nguyen
Referred by: From a Friend
From: San Mateo, CA
Comments: Your Web page is great. It opened up again past wounds,
pride, and old memories. My father and my two brothers were
former South Vietnamese Marines. They have fought the war until
the end. I was in the crowd outside the American Embassy in the
morning of April 30, 75. According Larry Engelmann's book:
"Tears before the rain", the last helicopter took off
around 4:30-5:00 A.M. in the morning of April 30. But I was there
at 8:00 A.M, I still saw two or three U.S Marines on the roof of
the Embassy. Am I right or wrong? I am now a Vietnamese Catholic
priest in San Mateo, CA serving the Archdiocese of San
Francisco.My prayers go to all the U.S. Marines who served and
died in Vietnam, especially to the two Marines who were killed by
VC's rockets fell in Tan Son Nhat airport right at the D.A.O
headquarters on April 28. May God bless you always. Semper
fidelis!
Record 122
Name: CPL, PAUL CANDIA
From: MCAGCC 29 PALMS, CA
Comments: I AM A ACTIVE DUTY MARINE SERVING WITH 1ST TANK BN
ANTI-TANK TOW PLT. I SERVE WITH A LOT OF FORMER MSG MARINES AND I
THINK THAT IT IS ONE OF THE MARINE CORPS BEST KEPT SECRETS.
SEMPER FI, CPL CANDIA
121
Name: Don Nicholas,DPM
Referred by: From a Friend
From: Uniontown,Oh
Comments: MSG '74- the end. (Sgt Nicholas) Living life as usual
until I received the Saigon Marines envelope. Man, talk about
memories. Checked out the site and all those names. Still mad I
didn't get to stay out that night after curfew :o). Hey Steve-oi
... time to come off the roof. Bad news about Bobby, Viancourt
and Daisey. Once and always... A Marine. Semper Fi
120
Name: Allen Howdyshell
From: Pasadena,Md.
Comments: I served as a Company Clerk at MSGBN, Co."D",
American Embassy, Panama 9/73 - 9/74 and Company Clerk at MSGBn
Hdqtrs Arlington, Va. 9/74 - 9/76.
119
Name: Allen Howdyshell
From: Pasadena,Md.
Comments: I served as a Company Clerk at MSGBN, Co."D",
American Embassy, Panama 9/73 - 9/74 and Company Clerk at MSGBn
Hdqtrs Arlington,
Va. 9/74 - 9/76.
118
Name: kenneth king
Referred by: Clicked on our Banner Advertisement
From: Cabot Arkansas
Comments: I rember the fall very well. the confusion the fear the
hot days I was a part of HMH 463. There many moments of not
wonting to evacuate but to hold our ground. But we were Marines
and followed orders. There are many who will be missed. Kenneth
King HMH 463
117
Name: John Scott
Website: 9TH Marine Amphibious Brigade
From: Indianapolis,In. USA
Comments: Glad to see this site. Was just down the river at Vung
Tau,until May 3,1975 9th MAB Sierra detachment point man.
According to the history channel all military left rvn in
entirety in 1973.LOL Did you guys get a vietnam service ribbon ?
Semper Fi
116
Name: John Scott
Website: 9TH Marine Amphibious Brigade
From: Indianapolis,In. USA
Comments: Glad to see this site. Was just down the river at Vung
Tau,until May 3,1975 9th MAB Sierra detachment point man.
According to the history channel all military left rvn in
entirety in 1973.LOL Did you guys get a vietnam service ribbon ?
Semper Fi
115
Name: John Scott
Website: 9TH Marine Amphibious Brigade
From: Indianapolis,In. USA
Comments: Glad to see this site. Was just down the river at Vung
Tau,until May 3,1975 9th MAB Sierra detachment point man.
According to the history channel all military left rvn in
entirety in 1973.LOL Did you guys get a vietnam service ribbon ?
Semper Fi
114
Name: James Pruitt
Referred by: Net Search
From: Phoenix, Arizona
Comments: This Web Page brought tears to my eyes. I was abooard
the USS Okinawa with Helicpoter Squardon HMH-462. I was on
helicopter YF-09. I would like to hear from anyone that was in
HMH-462 aboard the USS Okinawa during the evacuation of Saigon. I
remember all the vietnamese pilots landing helicopters on the
flight deck and all of us flight personnel pushing the
helicopters overboard. I would like to locate the following
Marines Chuck Tubbs, Dennis Deno, Andy Bolinger and Van Hoffman.
Semper Fi
113
Name: Hien Tran
Website: VNMA Alumni Association, Houston
Referred by: Yahoo!
From: Houston, TX
Comments: I want to learn more about VN war. I was a Lt Col. in
VN Marine Corps, also was a TBS officer of class 1964 in
Quantico, VA. I want to say hello to my friends in USMC CoVan.
112
Name: JOHN GHILAIN
From: medford, ma
Comments: colin,kevin, outstanding job i have tears as wellas
chillsfrom our memories of 75. this site is fantastic. i read
potratz's comments, polis's any many more.as kevin knows i went
from usmc to police work closing in on 20 years 5 more and its a
wrap. hope to see you all at the reunion. any assistance you need
will do my best to help
111
Name: Kim Diemand
From: Texas (currently)
Comments: Just happened across the site, checked the detachment
roster, and saw the name of Joe Arata. I was already stationed
with the Marine Detachment in Caracas for almost 2 years when Joe
showed up in 1975. Couldn't believe it when I saw his picture,
but it always has been a small Corps. I married the RSO's
secretary and our reception was at the Marine House; I must have
a dozen pictures of Joe in our wedding album. There was another
Saigon Marine who also made it to Caracas: Mike Haglund. He had
probably been at the Saigon embassy about 1972. Would like to
know if anyone has heard from him. By the way, the "Old
Man" of the detachment, our NCOIC, was a Gunny named Dave
Sommers who of course went on to become Sgt.Major of the Marine
Corps; finest man I ever met. Great web site; thanks for sharing.
Semper Fi, Kim Diemand.
110
Name: Norman E. Hitchcock
From: Florida
Comments: Excellent site! Just dropped into say Semper Fidelis. I
just relinquished command of Company D, MSGBn. I can tell you
that the MSG watch standers today are just as dedicated and
professional now as they were in '75. Semper Fidelis, Norman E.
Hitchcock LtCol of Marines
109
Name: William R. Benson
From: Newport Beach, CA
Comments: Looking at the pictures of the Marines in formation
three weeks after they withdrew from the embassy sends chills up
and down my spine. They looked just like any other Marine liberty
formation out in the street of Camp Schwab or Camp Hanson in
Okinawa, until you realize exactly what they went through. I was
about seven years old then, my father was stationed in Subic Bay,
R.P.. I remember the Marines of the MarBks SRF Subic doing their
humps through the Kalyaan Housing Area. We kids always stood at
the side of the road and cheered. Even footsore and tired of
humping, they walked a little straighter, looked a little
stronger. It made me proud of them, at seven years old. My Mom
was a Red Cross Volunteer then, helping billet all of the
Vietnamese refugees aboard Grande Island. I remember one of the
"in house" magazines chronicaling the Grande Island
effort. One of the pictures was of the biggest, blackest Marine I
had ever seen. His face was glistening with sweat, he was in a
full set of 782 gear, plus helmet, with a gigantic, massive grin
on his face, as if he didn't want to be anywhere else but right
there, keeping that little munchkin safe and sound. In his huge
hands was a little bitty bare-bottomed baby cradled in the palm
of his hand. I saw that picture and thought that that baby was
the safest child in the world, and I always thought that my
guardian angel looked a lot like that Marine. It just said it
all. Years later, I became a Marine, in 1984. Thirteen years
after that, my life took a different direction, and I stepped
aside (honorably) so that more deserving warriors could advance.
I'm very proud of my Marines, and very respectful of those who
have weathered the battles of history. Thank you for telling your
stories. William R. Benson Sgt., USMC 1984-1997
108
Name: Duncan L. Blankenship
Referred by: Yahoo!
From: Rome, Georgia
Comments: Like these Marines, I would give my life for My God, My
Country, and My Family. God Bless You all!
107
Name: Kenneth J. Heselwood
Referred by: Net Search
From: City of Brussels in Belgium
Comments: This is a very nice site. I salute those who died
during the fall of saigon.
106
Name: Doug Drummond
Referred by: From a Friend
From: 4TH MAW, New Orleans
Comments: Colin; You continue to do an outstanding job of
updating and maintaining the site. I realize it takes a lot of
time and energy to remain diligent with this site. Thanks.
Finally took the time to go back and review previous Guest
entries and really enjoyed it. One entry (by a retired Naval
Officer with a famous last name of Forrestal) reminded me that
while I was on shore with the detachment during the evacuation,
my brother (then a Marine Pfc) was aboard the U.S.S. Okinawa
(LPH-3) in support. I guess you could say the evacuation was a
family affair. When we eventually arrived in Manilla and I was
able to get a call home to my folks I found out where he was at
and was able to have a few beers with him in Manilla before I
flew out for Thailand. Now I just have to get him off his lazy
ass and get him to visit our web page. Keep up the good work. Ooh
Rah to all you Devil Dogs out there.
105
Name: Carl Arrington
From: Plano, TX
Comments: God Bless the US Armed Forces!
104
Name: Jim Kean
From: Mercer Island,WA
Comments: Why am I not surprised that you guys have done such a
great job?
103
Name: CARSON GIBSON FORMER SGT OF MARINES
Comments: PLT 3088 AUG 73 VMA 214 BLACKSHEEP SQDN TILL 1975
REUPPED 1977 HMH 363 WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM THE PILOTS AND CREWS
OF SCREW CREW AND OTHER SQDNS INVOLVED WITH AIRLIFT SEE ALSO ALS
VIETNAM PAGE AND HMH361 WEB SITES SEMPER FI MY FRIENDS AND GOD
BLESS EVERY ONE OF YOU
102
Name: Ralph Dettwiler
Website: Bloodstripes
From: Michigan
Comments: Just surfing through and wanted to ask you to visit my
pages. You have a great page. I have just started a memorial page
for all vets, whether they were killed in combat or POW/MIA, or
died in bed of old age. Please feel free to post a tribute there.
101
Name: ROCKY STEVENS
From: PINEVILLE LOUISIANA
Comments: C.CO 1/1 0331 70-71 NICE PAGE;GOD BLESS SEMPER FI