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Vietcong had established control over much of the countryside
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President Kennedy takes office
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From 1961 to late 1963, the number of U.S. military personnel in South Vietnam jumped from about 2,000 to around 15,000.
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American generals launched a military coup, seizing power on November 1, 1963. They executed Diem soon after. -
This authorized the president to “take all necessary measures to repel any armed attack against the forces of the United States and to prevent further aggression.”
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President Johnson authorizes Operation Rolling Thunder, a limited but long-lasting bombing offensive -
The U.S. offers North Vietnam economic aid in exchange for peace, but the offer is summarily rejected.
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A Vietcong-placed bomb explodes in a hotel in Qui Nonh, killing 23 American servicemen.
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In March 1965, Johnson again expanded American involvement by ordering a sustained bombing campaign against North Vietnam. That same month, he sent the first U.S. combat troops into Vietnam.
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After recovering from the battles fought in July, the Vietcong's 9th Division is readying itself for another offensive. Reinforcements and supplies, delivered via the Ho Chi Minh trail from North Vietnam, have replenished their losses in both personnel and equipment.