(Left to right) Veteran Bill O’Brien showing actual pictures of the Mayaguez container vessel. His plane was ordered to fly low and keep an eye on the captured ship; a New York State Military Museum photo by Bill Schmeelcke; and a museum scene (along with the first image) by www.photoandgraphic.com.
SARATOGA SPRINGS – A panel of Vietnam War veterans gathered at the New York State Military Museum on Lake Avenue last weekend to share stories and engage in a wide-ranging discussion.
Bill Schmeelcke, a 3rd Vice Commander at the American Legion Adirondack Post 70 in Saratoga Springs, presented a donation from the post to the Friends of the New York State Military Museum at the March 10 event.
David Wallingford, a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, accepted the donation on behalf of the Friends group.
Veteran Bill O'Brien spoke about the last official Vietnam War mission, during which Cambodians captured and took control of an American container vessel. O’Brien used a model P-3A plane that he flew and private pictures of the ship involved.
The “Mayaguez Incident” resulted in three Marines being left behind, which for many years sparked controversy. The Marines are the last three names listed on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall.
