– CBS News Special Report – President Ford Address on Mayaguez – May 14, 1975 – Gordon Skene Sound Collection –

In what has been termed the Last Official Battle of the Vietnam War, the incident surrounding the U.S. container ship USS Mayaguez, seized by Khmer Rouge, was finally over.

It began on May 12 when the Mayaguez fell under attack by Khmer Rouge forces, while the ship was en route to Thailand. After transmitting several SOS and Mayday calls, the ship was commandeered by the Khmer Rouge and instructed to sail to  Poulo Wai Island.

The distress calls were picked up by several people, including one who informed the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta, who in turn relayed the information to the State Department and eventually to President Ford. After an attempt by Secretary of State Kissinger to persuade China to intercede failed, Ford and members of the National Security council opted for a military solution.

In what began as a rescue operation became a full-fledged battle between U.S. Marines and Khmer Rouge forces, and finally ended with some 15 Marines killed and 41 wounded. On May 15th, President Ford addressed the nation regarding the incident and reported the incident was now over.

Here is that address from May 15th, 1975

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