| Richard William Rivenburgh | |
|---|---|
| Location on the Wall: | Panel 01W - Line 132 |
| Age at Loss: | 21 |
| Race: | Causasian |
| Sex: | Male |
| Date of Birth: | 14 Jul, 1953 |
| Home of Record: | San Diego, CA |
| Religion: | Unknown |
| Marital Status: | Single |
| Branch: | Marine Corps |
| Length of Service: | |
| Grade: | E2 |
| Rank: | Private First Class |
| ID Number: | |
| Unit: | 3rd Marine Div |
| MOS: | Helicopter Non-Crew |
| Date of Loss: | 15 May, 1975 |
| Country of Loss: | Cambodia/Over Water |
| Loss Coordinates: | 101800N 1030830E |
| Status (in 1973): | Body Not Recovered |
| Type of Loss: | Hostile, died missing |
| Reason: | Air Loss, Crash at Sea |
| Aircraft/Vehicle/Ground: | CH53A |
| Incident Ref. #: | 2003 |
Other Info:
750515 MAYAGUEZ INCIDENT LOSS
On May 12, the U.S. merchant ship MAYAGUEZ was seized by the Khmer Rouge in the Gulf of Siam about 60 miles from the Cambodian coastline and eight miles from Poulo Wai island.
On May 15, 1975 a CH53A helicopter was flown by U.S. Air Force Major Howard Corson and 2Lt. Richard Van de Geer and carrying 23 U.S. Marines and 2 U.S. Navy corpsmen, all from the 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines as part of the rescue operation.
As the helicopter approached Koh Tang island, it was caught in a cross fire and hit by a rocket. The severely damaged helicopter crashed into the sea just off the coast of the island and exploded.
To avoid enemy fire, survivors were forced to swim out to sea for rescue.
Twelve aboard, including Maj. Corson, were rescued.
Those missing from the helicopter were 2Lt. Richard Van de Geer, PFC Daniel A. Benedett, PFC Lynn Blessing, PFC Walter Boyd, Lcpl. Gregory S. Copenhaver, Lcpl. Andres Garcia, PFC James J. Jacques, PFC James R. Maxwell, PFC Richard W. Rivenburgh, PFC Antonio R. Sandoval, PFC Kelton R. Turner, all U.S. Marines. Also missing were HM1 Bernard Gause, Jr. and HM Ronald J. Manning, the two corpsmen.
Source ( and to read more about the MAYAGUEZ INCIDENT LOSS): P.O.W. NETWORK