"Mayaguez Incident: The Post-Vietnam Rescue Operation" Topic

…That Left Over 40 Americans Dead

"Just weeks after the Vietnam War was declared to be over, a new conflict erupted, threatening the peace many US and South Vietnamese soldiers had fought and died for. On May 12, 1975, the Khmer Rouge seized control of the US merchant vessel SS Mayaguez and held her crew hostage, signaling the start of an international incident. The following days were filled with chaos and confusion, before ultimately ending in the deaths of several American citizens and servicemen…"

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Armand

There were 3 Marines left behind on the island. No mention of the USAF aircrews of the CH-53's that brought the Marines to the island and also took them off the island while being shot to pieces. The helicopters had to make two lifts from Thailand to get all the Marines there and to get them out all while the available aircraft dwindled. The Island had been reinforced just the day before the raid which brought the number of defenders to over 200 men (way more than the 40 expected). If you notice in the very first picture in the article, the Marines are wearing gas masks. The President had authorized the use of a chemical weapon to regain the ship (tear gas). The ship was retaken by a boarding action and a volunteer crew of merchant seamen had been gathered in the Philippines to be used as a replacement crew of the Mayaguez. Once secured, the ship was taken under tow until the boilers were re-lit and steam power was sufficient for the ship to move under it's own power.
The Rescue Operation was done with scattered forces that were assembled and conducted within two days. Naval ships from the Philippines, Marines from Okinawa and Air Force helicopters from Thailand.

Many thanks!

Armand