Comments

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  Michael Austin April 21, 2017 at 12:46am

  Mike Ayer,
  Thanks for the support. I'm not well versed in the legislative process, but as I understand, Op. End Sweep medals could become a part of the next National Defense Authorization Act, just as the problem with Ops. Frequent Wind and Eagle Pull was resolved a few years ago.
  The man most familiar is Congressman Graves' Legislative Correspondent, Mr Kevin O'Keefe. I've spoken to Kevin several times. He's a fine gentleman and very supportive of veterans' issues. Contact as follows:
  Kevin O’Keefe | Legislative Correspondent
  Office of Congressman Garret Graves (LA-06)
  202-225-3901 (office) | garretgraves.house.gov
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  James J. madigan April 20, 2017 at 4:07pm

  I was a RD or OS later on the New Orleans LPH-11 As i remember 2 helicopters went down during the time up there.I had both instances on my scope as they happened and i vectored craft to the sites of the sinkings.All were saved as i recollect
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  Mike Ayars April 20, 2017 at 3:19pm

  Michael, I reached out to my congressman and he could not find a record of this in their electronic system. My congressman is Frank Lobiondo (R-NJ). He is very supportive of veterans in his district. Can you provide any contact information for Mr. O'Keefe or Congressman Graves?
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  Michael Austin April 12, 2017 at 4:48pm

  Information of interest to those who served directly aboard one of the TF 78 ships or on ships providing direct support near Haiphong Harbor, especially for sailors or marines who joined the party in Vietnam a bit late (after March '73).  

  A 2017 congressional proposal would extend eligibility for the Vietnam Service Medal to those who were previously denied , or would establish a Meritorious Unit Commendation, Navy Expeditionary Medal or another unique award for all who participated in Operation End Sweep.  If you would like to see this happen, please contact your congressman ASAP and ask him to join Congressman Garret Graves (R-La) in support of recognition for Operation End Sweep and TF 78. Whether or not a Louisiana constituent, you can also express support through Congressman Grave's legislative coordinator for veterans affairs, Mr. Kevin O'Keefe.
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  Alton Ray Adams February 26, 2017 at 4:46pm

  I ment by the loading ramp of a 53.
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  Alton Ray Adams February 26, 2017 at 4:45pm

  I remember during the op we lost a Marine H53. The crew were picked up and returned to the Ogden. Also lost a good friend ABHAN Tim O'niel when he was crushed by the loading of a 53. We were both tad from the Tripoli.
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  Eric Van Stralen November 11, 2015 at 1:43pm

  I was on the Constellation, pretty far offshore during this op but still awarded the unit citations.   Curiously, my DD214 only shows a few months in 1973 for Viet Nam service, when I made 2 deployments to the Tonkin Gulf prior to that.
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  William Lee Bragg November 12, 2014 at 6:03pm

  During End Sweep I flew off and onto the Ogden, Tripoli, Debuque, and a few other ships. It was a benefit when the Holidays rolled around and everyone was serving up steak and lobster. I've always wondered why we never received any awards for serving and flying in hostile territory myself. They said it was because there was supposed to be a ceasefire in effect. I guess they never heard of the TET Offensive in 67&68. BUT I always remembered it while flying past their gunboats AND not being allowed to mount our 50 cals.
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  Don Behrens, Sr January 17, 2014 at 12:10am

  I was aboard the USS Ogden LPD-5. Was on Endsweep from the beginning to the end.
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  Alton Ray Adams December 31, 2013 at 3:34pm

  It's been a while since I checked in on this site and Jeff you are right. TF 78 has been treated like the redheaded step child. I've been trying to get an answer why we were not awarded anything while in hostile waters. I've written to the Navy Personnel Center with no response. If we all contact our bozos in Washington maybe something can be done.