Vietnam War - American involvement

Truman Doctorine

Mar 12, 1947

Making America pledge to help countries militarily and economically to fight communism

Military advisors sent from U.S. to train South Vietnamese forces

1950

The U.S. sends military advisors to South Vietnam to train the traditional army against North Vietnam

First search and destroy missions implemented

1964

The U.S. issues search and destroy mission where the troops and air forces take out specific areas where there is thought to be enemy forces

Gulf of Tonkin incident

Aug 2, 1964

Vietnamese ships open fire on American ships causing panic in America

Gulf of Tonkin resolution

Aug 10, 1964

Gave LBJ the power to do anything he sees fit to contain the spread of communism in Vietnam

First ground troops established

Mar 8, 1965

In order to protect the new air bases from sabotage, ground troops are needed for protection

First airstips are established in Cam Ranh Bay

Nov 1, 1965

LBJ sees it necessary to establish airfields and allow bombers to be stationed to carry out bombing raids against the Vietnamese forces

Battle of Ia Drang

Nov 14, 1965

First official battle between the traditional armies of U.S. and the PAVN. It would have been a disaster but due to American loyalty and dedication, we repelled a disaster

U.S. tactics prove ineffective so more support is required

Mar 1, 1966

The U.S. realizes that officer Westmorelands attempts to cripple the enemy prove ineffective, which allows for more ground troops to increase productivity.

Tet Offensive

Jan 30, 1968

The Vietnamese launch 7 guerilla attacks on 7 different cities. This is seen as a desperate last attempt by them which is an excuse to strengthen U.S. troops