Last battle of Vietnam and the unsung heroes — including one of our own
Koh Tang Island, CAMBODIA — Forty-three years after the last official battle of the Vietnam War there is a renewed effort to get long overdue recognition for the veterans of the Mayaguez I

![Fofo Tuitele with captured AK 47. Koh Tang Island, May 15, 1975. Forty-three years after the last official battle of the Vietnam War there is a renewed effort to get long overdue recognition for the veterans of the Mayaguez Incident — the last battle of the Vietnam War — which includes Mayaguez survivor and decorated Marine Scout Sniper Fofo Tuitele, whose conspicuous and overlooked heroism during the battle is now the subject of a congressional investigation. [Photo: Fred Morris/Koh Tang Beach Club] Marine Scout Sniper Fofo Tuitele in 1975](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/fofo_tuitele_1975.jpg?itok=ygYBXGSG)
![Marine Ssgt. Fofo Tuitele in 2018. His heroism in the last official battle of the Vietnam War is the focus in an article for The Diplomat, an international current-affairs magazine for the Asia-Pacific region, historian and author Prof. Peter Maguire, who asks the question — Why were these veterans denied the Vietnam Service medal in 2016? [Photo: Peter Maguire] Marine Ssgt. Fofo Tuitele in 2018.](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/marine_ssgt_fofo_tuitele_2018.jpg?itok=0hONHz_j)


![American Samoa’s captain Gabriel Taumua in action against Samoa on Match Day 2 of the OFC U-16 Championship Qualifier at Loto-Tonga Soka Centre in Veitongo, Tonga on Tuesday, July 17, 2018. [FFAS MEDIA/Brian Vitolio] American Samoa’s captain Gabriel Taumua](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/gabriel_action_2674.jpg?itok=MZ0ReRxu)
![Afa Sione of American Samoa battles for possession of the ball with a Samoa opponent during their Match Day 2 game of the OFC U-16 Championship Qualifier at Loto-Tonga Soka Centre in Veitongo, Tonga on Tuesday, July 17, 2018. [FFAS MEDIA/Brian Vitolio] Afa Sione of American Samoa](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/afa_action_2640.jpg?itok=qL3-MnzA)
![Milo Tiatia of American Samoa looks to clear the ball away as an opponent tries to block his attempt on Match Day 2 of the OFC U-16 Championship Qualifier at Loto-Tonga Soka Centre in Veitongo, Tonga on Tuesday, July 17, 2018. [FFAS MEDIA/Brian Vitolio] Milo Tiatia of American Samoa](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/milo_action_2581.jpg?itok=NX1oMlpg)
![Peter Lauvao of American Samoa shields the ball from a Samoa defender during their game on Match Day 2 of the OFC U-16 Championship Qualifier at Loto-Tonga Soka Centre in Veitongo, Tonga on Tuesday, July 17, 2018. [FFAS MEDIA/Brian Vitolio] Peter Lauvao of American Samoa](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/peter_action_2591.jpg?itok=oP_hRuVn)
![Walter Pati of American Samoa heads the ball forward against Samoa during their Match Day 2 game of the OFC U-16 Championship Qualifier at Loto-Tonga Soka Centre in Veitongo, Tonga on Tuesday, July 17, 2018. [FFAS MEDIA/Brian Vitolio] Walter Pati of American Samoa](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/walter_action_2565.jpg?itok=G1hAEYMU)
![William Hollister of American Samoa in action against Samoa on Match Day 2 of the OFC U-16 Championship Qualifier at Loto-Tonga Soka Centre in Veitongo, Tonga on Tuesday, July 17, 2018. [FFAS MEDIA/Brian Vitolio] William Hollister of American Samoa](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/william_action_2635.jpg?itok=-pi6bYxT)


![Gov. Lolo Matalasi Moliga and Lt. Gov. Lemanu Palepoi Sialega Mauga [SN file photo] Gov. Lolo Matalasi Moliga and Lt. Gov. Lemanu Palepoi Sialega Mauga](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/govlolo_0766_2.jpg?itok=zMzbgIR5)


