MAG-12, H&MS-12

Off-Duty Album


March 23, 2002
By: David A Prendergast
Subject: 1st Marine Air Wing; Marine Air Group-12; Marine Air Base Squadron-12, Launch & Recovery Section History at Chu Lai Air Base, South Vietnam from January 1967 to February 1968

During the last three years, I have had the great pleasure of contacting and talking to each of the located members of MABS-12, Launch & Recovery Section. On many occasions, I have been asked why I undertook this task, and endeavored to locate all of my Marine Corps brothers from Vietnam. Although there is no simple answer to this question, I can only offer my reflections and thoughts contemplating the question: "Why?" Following my return to the United States at the end of my tour in Vietnam, in early February 1968, I lost contact with all of the Marines with whom I served in Vietnam. As is the case for each of us, life went on. I finished my tour in the Marine Corps at the Marine Barracks located at the 32nd Street Naval Station in San Diego, California. I was released from active duty in August 1969. I went on to attend college, law school, and entered my profession and raised my family. Over the years I have often thought about those with whom I served in Vietnam, and frequently wondered where they were and what they might be doing. There was always a feeling of a personal void in my life from the loss of the relationships and friendships that were formed during the often arduous and difficult times we all experienced in Vietnam. There were also the good times, the camaraderie, the practical jokes, and many an occasion in which we simply enjoyed one another when those moments were available. Though difficult to put into words, I have often been reminded of the frequently used phrase which best describes every one of those Marines with whom I served in Vietnam.

"We few, we happy few, we band of brothers,
For he today that sheds his blood with me, Shall be my brother."
Henry V
William Shakespeare

In doing the research which provides the basis for the information set forth in this paper, I ran across a statement made by Lt. Gen. Phillip J. Ford, Eighth Air Force Commander, wherein he said:
"I've heard it said that it's the warrior, not the reporter, who has given us the freedom of the press. It's the warrior, not the poet, who has given us the freedom of speech. It's the warrior, not the lawyer, who has given us the right to a fair trial. It's the warrior who salutes the flag, serves under the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag. But most importantly, it's the warrior who gives us courage, faith and hope for today and for tomorrow."

It is with great respect for each member of Marine Air Base Squadron-12, Launch and Recovery Section, and their faithful service during Vietnam, that I am frequently reminded of "Honor, Duty, Country." I invite each of you to read, ponder, and enjoy the material which I have accumulated, and present to you in this summary of the Marine Corps records that I have mentioned above.

Chulai