May 12–15, 1975
Khmer Rouge naval forces seize the American container ship SS Mayaguez in international waters, taking 39 crew members hostage. President Ford, seeking to project American strength after the fall of Saigon three weeks earlier, orders a military rescue. US Marines assault Koh Tang island in a fierce battle against entrenched Khmer Rouge defenders. 41 Americans are killed — more than the crew being rescued. The crew had already been released by the time the assault began.
Commanders