Monument Details

Mayaguez Stele

Details:

In the courtyard of the US Embassy in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, to the left side of the seal of the United States Monument A rectangular dark stone stele with english engraved text, listing the names of the US Marines killed in the Mayaguez Incident in May 1975, as well as the name of a US Marine killed in Phnom Penh in 1971. The Mayaguez incident between the Khmer Rouge and the United States from May 12–15, 1975, was the last official battle of the Vietnam War. It started as a hostage rescue mission, but the crew of the merchant ship SS Mayguez had been released unbeknownst to the US forces. Ten Marines were killed when their helicopter crashed and four more were lost at the west beach. In addition, two Navy corpsmen killed, two Air Force crewmen were killed, and thirty-five Marines and six airmen were wounded.

Monument Text:

United States Embassy Mayaguez Marine Corp Memorial

In memory of these brave Americans who gave their lives protecting their fellow citizens in Cambodia

(list names)

Dedication speaker Senator John McCain

Dedicated November 11, 1996

Kenneth M. Quinn, Ambassador

Commemorates:

People:

Daniel A. Benedett

Lynn Blessing

Walter "Butch" Boyd