Gerald R. Ford photo

Remarks to the Nation Following Recovery of the SS Mayaguez.

May 15, 1975

AT MY direction, United States forces tonight boarded the American merchant ship SS Mayaguez and landed at the Island of Koh Tang for the purpose of rescuing the crew and the ship, which had been illegally seized by Cambodian forces. They also conducted supporting strikes against nearby military installations.

I have now received information that the vessel has been recovered intact and the entire crew has been rescued. The forces that have successfully accomplished this mission are still under hostile fire, but are preparing to disengage.

I wish to express my deep appreciation and that of the entire Nation to the units and the men who participated in these operations for their valor and for their sacrifice.

Note: The President spoke at 12:27 a.m. from the Briefing Room at the White House. His remarks were broadcast live on radio and television.

Gerald R. Ford, Remarks to the Nation Following Recovery of the SS Mayaguez. Online by Gerhard Peters and John T. Woolley, The American Presidency Project https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/node/256575

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