Skip to content
FREE STANDARD SHIPPING! Use code SHIPNOW at checkout
FREE STANDARD SHIPPING! Use code SHIPNOW at checkout

The End Of Combat?!?

Yesterday was 29-March the date in 1973 “That the last combat troops left Vietnam.” Our local VFW was having an event to commemorate that day. My friend and I decided to go. We are not members of that post but, all veterans and the public were invited to attend. They had refreshments and music but,not much else. It was more of a meet and greet. We were listening to a guy that was talking to a group of young people and I heard him comment that the last casualty occurred in March 73′. My friend JJ looked over at me and shook his head as to say “let it go” but I couldn’t. I waited for an opening and ask if he knew how many names are listed on the WALL after 29- 73′? I told them “at least 83 maybe more.I ask if he knew about the S.S.Mayaguez He said he did but thought it happened in Korean water. I said “No it was actually Cambodian water.” 41 Americans were killed including 18 Marines and Corpsman (3 of the Marines were executed by the Cambodians) Ask the families of those killed or wounded after the so called “End of Combat”. What they think. His response was that more would have died if we would have stayed I agreed and, we left it at that. jj and I also left! NEVER FORGET!! SEMPER FI!!

Harry

Previous article Lineage of the USMC Eagle, Globe and Anchor

Comments

Lcpl Jimmy Sanchez from New Braunfels Tx - April 9, 2020

In reply to Thomas Kroh.
I was part of a “ghost” platoon that was inserted by the CIA into Saigon on April 25, 1975. We were 1st blt, 9th marines, charlie co, 3rd plt, 3 marine division. I was in the back of the embassy compound in the early morning hours of April 29, 1975 when these two embassy marine guards were killed. They were about 50 yards away from me at first, then they moved a couple of blocks away to another post when they were hit by a rpg rocket fired by a NV soldier. I learned their names a year later, Cpl. Charles McHahon and Lcpl, Darwin Judge. I also heard in the news that Sen. John Kerry and Sen Edward Kennedy from Mass. when to Saigon to recover their remains and bring them home.

bill brocker - April 9, 2020

In reply to Harry.
Ooohhhfknraaahh

bill brocker - April 9, 2020

In reply to Ron.
I only say thanks for the opportunity to kill communist!

Sgt. Wolf aka Bob Rader - April 9, 2020

In reply to Dan Cameron.
Great Story!

Harry - April 9, 2020

In reply to Sgt White 72-76.
WELL SAID!!

Sgt White 72-76 - April 9, 2020

I was part of Operation Frequent Winds on the USS Vancouver (Hotel Battery 3/12 ) and seeing the south Vietnam people with no place to go but to the ships waiting (no country). The ones that came in there little boats setting them on fire so they could be picked up. All this left an impression on me of what it would be like to not have a country. Thank God we have a country and men that were willing to stand and fight and even give there life so we can live free and have a country. SEMPER FI

Ron - April 9, 2020

In reply to bill brocker.
So do I Bill, so do we all.. none of us that got spit on when returned knows how to react except to say quietly Thank You and walk on.

Ron - April 9, 2020

March 29, 1973, I had been rotated back home from having been aboard the USS Okinawa LPH 3 from March 72 to July or August 72 before going to finish tour at MCAS Iwakuni Japan. I actually guided the C5A’s carrying the troops to the refueling areas at Iwakuni. Then when I got back to the world, I was at NAS New Orleans with the 4th MAW working with the reservists at Belle Chase. Re-enlisted and got my choice of duty as instructor at BASHEL MAG 29 MATSG NAS Memphis, Millington TN. In 75 we heard the news of Mayaguez and all of the instructors were chomping at the bits as we all had served over there to get back, but it was not to be. SEMPER FI Brothers and Sisters…

Preston T Epperson - April 9, 2020

I will never forget those who were there and pray that the rest of America will not either. I lost some friends and consider all that served their a friend. Brave Men and Women’ Semper Fi

Harry - April 9, 2020

In reply to John T. Cotton.
You are right JohnI I know because I am one of them! Harry

Leave a comment

* Required fields