Helm’s Wheel
Captain Charles T. Miller of the SS Mayaguez, representatives from R.J. Reynolds, and crew from the USNS Greenville Victory presented this helm’s wheel from the Mayaguez to President Gerald R. Ford as a token of appreciation. The presentation took place in the Oval Office on July 24, 1975.
Gift of Captain Charles T. Miller
Banner
Members of the 40th ARRS “Jolly Greens” and the 21st SOS “Knives” – the helicopter units who transported Marines into combat during the Mayaguez Incident – sent this banner to President Ford as a tribute to his personal courage. Gift of Lt. Colonel Joseph P. McMonigle (USAF)
Gift of Lt. Colonel Joseph P. McMonigle (USAF)
Woodcarving
Buck Warren, known at the time as the O’Hare Poet, carved this piece in honor of the Marines who fought on the Island of Koh Tang during the Mayaguez Incident. It is entitled "Tired, Wounded, Proud." Gift of Buck Warren
Memo
This account of the events surrounding the capture of the SS Mayaguez was kept by Robert A. Griffin of the USNS Greenville Victory. He was one of the six Military Sealift Command crew members who volunteered to sail the Mayaguez from hostile waters. Griffin sent President Ford this “Inter-Office Correspondence” along with a portion of the Mayaguez ship’s log.
Gift of Buck Warren
Political Cartoon
An original Pat Oliphant political cartoon critical of President Ford’s handling of the Mayaguez Incident.
Gift of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation
Framed Photograph
U.S. Navy photographer Michael Chan took this photograph of Major Ray E. Porter and Captain Walt Wood of the U.S. Marines raising the flag on the SS Mayaguez on May 15, 1975.Gift of Darryl Kastl
U.S. Air Force Awards
Staff Sergeant Martin M. Jablonski received this U.S. Air Force Distinguished Flying Cross, citation, and unit plaque from his participation in the Mayaguez Incident. He served as helicopter flight engineer on Jolly Green 42. Jablonski was born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Gift of Tim and Pam Jablonski
Patch
A "Mayaguez Marauder" patch given to those helicopter crews that flew the Marines to Koh Tang island during the Mayaguez Incident. Staff Sergeant Martin M. Jablonski from Jolly Green 42 received this one.
Gift of Tim and Pam Jablonski
Helm's Wheel
The crew of the SS Mayaguez presented this helm’s wheel to Captain Charles T. Miller upon his retirement.Gift of Vincent Guaglianone