Return with Honor: American Prisoners of War in Southeast Asia
DAYTON, Ohio - In this case is a life ring from the SS Mayaguez. The ship was launched in 1944, and beginning in 1965 sailed a regular route from Hong Kong to Thailand and Singapore carrying supplies in support of U.S. forces in Southeast Asia. The Mayaguez was scrapped in 1979. USAF pararescueman Wayne Fisk wore this beret during the Mayaguez operation. He was on the last helicopter to leave Koh Tang. This instrument panel stopped a bullet. The panel is from an HH-53 helicopter that attempted under fire to rescue the crew of another helicopter downed in the opening minutes of the Koh Tang operation. (U.S. Air Force photo)