#18 – Mayaguez Incident

May 12-15, 1975

An international crisis erupts when Khmer Rouge forces in Cambodia seize the U.S. merchant ship SS Mayaguez, travelling in international waters. President Gerald R. Ford declares the attack an act of piracy, orders the immediate release of the ship and readies a response by U. S. Armed Forces. The crew is released and the ship is returned before the recovery assault begins, but word is not communicated to the military units until after the assault concludes.

Mayaguez Incident