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| SSgt
Gerald Coyle Dorm Dedication 16 Sep 03 at Pope AFB NC |
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The below personnel were beside the dorm sign after the SSgt Gerald Coyle Dorm Dedication,
16 Sep 03, at Pope AFB NC: Photo, L/R:
Donald Green SMSgt, USAF, (ret.) NKP 1973-1974
Eddy Cowick, CMSgt, USAF, (ret.) Korat 1973-1974 Vietnam (late 60's)
Robert Lawrence, MSgt, USAF (ret) NKP 1973-1974
John Appel, SSgt, USAF -- Thailand 1973-1974 (and one of the truest friends a person can be blessed with)
Charles Hayes, MSgt, USAF, NKP 1973-1974 |
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COYLE,
GERALD A.
SSgt - Air Force
31 year old Male
Born on May 14, 1943
From BENTLEYVILLE,
PENNSYLVANIA
56th SPS, NKP Thailand
Casualty was on May 13, 1975
Non Hostile, Helicopter Crash
SS
Mayaguez Rescue Operation
(Cambodia),
Body was recovered
Panel
01W - Line 125 |
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SS
Mayaguez Rescue Operation,
Killed in Line of Duty, May 15, 1975. |
Bronze
Star |
SSgt
Gerald A. Coyle |
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| E-mail
Received concerning SSgt Coyle: |
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Author: David Rose (MSgt USAF Ret)
Subject: Re: My Friend's Daughter
In reply to: John Appel 's message, "My Friend's Daughter"
I haven't surfed this site in a year. I was stationed at NPK from Apr 1973 to May 1974. I was friends with several personnel lost in that operation. I was stationed at Plattsburg AFB when at least 10 other friends all previously 56 SPS personnel got the news. I will never forget!
Author: Don Green
Subject: Re: My Friend's Daughter
In reply to: John Appel 's message, "My Friend's Daughter"
John,
It's been a long time. I spoke with Cheryl about eight years ago, then lost touch. I was Jerry's room mate along with "Bod Bob" Lawrence who now lives in Kentucky. I was stationed with you and Jerry at Pope before all three of us made the trek to NKP.
I manage to stay in touch with Mike Lane's mother and always call her on 13 May to let her know I remember.
Take care and email me when you get a chance.
All my best,
Don Green
NKP 74-75 |
Author: Troy Williams
Subject: Re: My Friend's Daughter
In reply to: John Appel 's message, "My Friend's Daughter"
John... I served at NKP in 75' in live in Fayetteville, NC I was an SP on the night shift. I was in country only a few weeks when the incident happened.
Author: Robert E. (Bob) Merrill
Subject: Re: My Friend's Daughter
In reply to: John Appel 's message, "My Friend's Daughter"
This is particularly touching for those of us with daughters because but for the grace of God it could have been any one of us. Welcome home Brother and thank you. |
Author: Terry Sandman
Subject: Re: Mayaguez Incident
In reply to: Jeff Petty 's message, "Mayaguez Incident"
Jeff,
I have found 2 sources that list the Air Force casualties killed in the crash of Knife 13 and also killed in action during the Koh-Tang operation. The first one is a video titled, "Seized at Sea; Situation Critical," at www.henninger.com/Mayaguez/
The second is a book titled, "The Last Battle; The Mayaguez Incident and the End of the Vietnam War," by Ralph Wetterhahn that lists the casualties in an Appendix. The book can be purchased on www.amazon.com
The web site for the video lists the Marines, Navy Corpsmen and Air Force personnel killed during the operation. The Air Force personnel listed as killed in the crash on Knife 13 are; Security Police: Jimmy Black, Bobby Collums, Gerald Coyle, Thomas Dwyer, Bob Ford, Gerald Fritz, Jackie D. Glenn, Darrell Hamlin, Gregory Hankamer, David Higgs, Faleagafula Ilaoa, Michael Lane, Dennis London, Robert Mathias, William McKelvey, Edgar Moran, Tommy Nealis, and Robert Ross. The helicopter crew killed on Knife 13: James G. Kays (Pilot), Lawrence G. Froehlich (Copilot), George E. McMullen (Flight Engineer), Paul J. Raber (Flight Mechanic) plus Robert P. Weldon. The list also includes 2 USAF killed in action during the Koh-Tang operation; Elwood E. Rumbaugh and Richard Van de Geer and 6 USAF wounded in action: Thomas J. Bateson, Howard A. Corson,Jr., Jesus P. Dejesus, Ronald A. Gross, Jon D. Harston and Nick Morales.
I hope that this information is helpful to you.
Terry Sandman
Security Police
Đà Nàng & Đông Hà Air Field, RVN
1966-1967
LINKS:
VSPA Memorial Tribute Page for SSgt Gerald Coyle
VSPA Memorial for the 56th SPS killed in line of duty during the SS Mayaguez Operation Rescue. |
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