De facto Commander-in-Chief Ford (25th amendment) orders United states Marines (private mercenaries) to assault Tang Island to rescue the crew of the SS Mayaguez detained by Cambodia, even though a U.s. reconnaissance plane had already confirmed their release. The needless raid results in the deaths of 41 Marines.
[restored 7/17/2025]
Subsequent Events:
References:
David Wallechinsky and Irving Wallace, eds., The People’s Almanac, (Garden City, New York: Doubleday, 1975), 1479.
Howard Zinn, A People’s History of the United States, (New York: Harper Colophon, 1980; HarperPerenial, 1980), 539-40.
Current U.s. National Debt:
