What was the outcome of the Battle of Koh Tang?

The Battle of Koh Tang, which took place in May 1975, was primarily aimed at the rescue of the merchant ship S.S. Mayaguez, which had been seized by the Khmer Rouge. The operation involved U.S. Marines landing on Koh Tang Island in an attempt to recover the ship and its crew. The situation escalated into a fierce engagement between U.S. forces and the Khmer Rouge, resulting in casualties on both sides.

The focus on the rescue of the S.S. Mayaguez is critical to understanding the battle's significance, as it was one of the last military operations involving U.S. troops in the Vietnam War context. This mission was a direct response to perceived aggression and was intended to demonstrate U.S. resolve in protecting American interests abroad. The other potential outcomes, such as the defeat of the Khmer Rouge and the reinforcement of U.S. troops in Vietnam, did not align with the specific objectives and results of the Koh Tang operation.