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Operation Flaming Dart
February 7th 1965, White House authorizes Operation Flaming Dart. In response to Viet Cong "attacks" leading to Operation Rolling Thunder. Operation Flaming Dart was the main start to the fight in Vietnam and led to the ground troops which is how it escalated the war. -
Troops Enter Vietnam
Early 1965, United States troops enter Vietnam. They entered Vietnam following Lyndon Johnson's election. The troops entering started the fighting on land which is how it escalated the war. -
Search and Destroy Missions Begin
United States troops begin to start 'search and destroy' missions in Vietnam. United States started 'search and destroy' missions due to guerilla warfare strategies used by Vietnamese. The 'search and destroy' missions was the change in United States starting to do damage to the Viet Cong which is how it escalated the war. -
Operation Crimp
Operation Crimp was a joint operation (United States-Australia) with around 8,000 men. The purpose of Operation Crimp was to locate the Viet Cong headquarters. The joint operation was a success. Operation Crimp was one of the first operations that was a huge success so they sent more troops. -
Operation Attleboro
Operation Attleboro was an American 'search and destroy' mission. Operation Attleboro was very successful killing more then 2,000 Viet Cong and capturing important supply drops. This gave the military advisors a reason to send more troops. -
Operation Cedar Falls
Operation Cedar Falls purpose was to drive out the enemies out of the "Iron Triangle". The operation was a success, but also a failure. They succeeded in moving them but destroyed many South Vietnamese houses in the process. This made the Viet Cong think of a new way of beating the Americans which gave incentive to get more Americans in Vietnam. -
My Lai Massacre
The My Lai Massacre is the most well known act of violence against unarmed civilians. My Lai Massacre happened because the United States started burning down houses that were supposedly helping the Viet Cong. This got a lot of attention from back home and Viet Cong so they brang more troops. -
Tet Offensive
The Tet Offensive was a series of attacks by the Viet Cong. Ho Chi Minh was nearly closer to death and they wanted a victory before that time came. Many believe this was the turning point of the war. The Viet Cong had a successful series of attacks so America sent more troops to make up for those lost. -
Operation Rolling Thunder Ends
March 1968, Operation Rolling Thunder started to end. Operation Rolling Thunder ended due to failure to stop the enemy. This is the climax and after this they start bringing back troops.
