THE GULF OF TONKIN INCIDENT August 2 nd- 4 th, 1964 By: Muhammad, Cheng, Shwe

Involvement of U.S. in Vietnam The gulf of Tonkin incident promoted the first large-scale involvement of U.S. armed forced in the Vietnam. It was a pair of attacks carried out by naval forces of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (North Vietnam) against two American destroyers, the USS Maddox and the USS Turner Joy. It Occurred on August 2 and 4, 1964 in the Gulf of Tonkin.

The Gulf of Tonkin Map

Monday August 3 rd 10:30 A.M. McNamara and Johnson discuss the attack on the Maddox from the previous day. The two also discuss possible responses to the attack and how it should be handled militarily and politically.

Monday August 3 rd 1:30 P.M. McNamara calls Johnson later that day to discuss military preparations for what may occur. Johnson voices his concerns about jumping the gun and starting a war too soon.

Monday August 4 rth On Monday August 4 th, McNamara calls Johnson to inform him that the North Vietnamese have apparently sent ships and aircraft towards the U.S ships. Later that day, McNamara calls Johnson to inform him that a second attack on the Maddox has “apparently” occurred in the Gulf of Tonkin.

Tuesday August 5 rth Later that night, McNamara and Johnson discuss the statement the President will make that night regarding a U.S response to the second torpedo attack. The two men discuss the military and political details of the speech. They discuss how to communicate with Barry Goldwater (LBJ’s Republican opponent in the upcoming election.)

Gulf of Tonkin Resolution LBJ pressured Congress to give the President more war-making powers – “The American flag has been fired upon. We will not and cannot tolerate such things” said by Ross Adair of Indiana in Congress. on August 7, 1964 Congress overwhelmingly approved the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution. This resolution allowed Johnson to militarily assist any Southeast Asian country. – Congress votes gives the President a blank check to wage war in Vietnam No formal declaration of war was made. 23,300 U.S. “Advisors” in Vietnam President Johnson Announces Retaliation for Gulf of Tonkin

END THE WAR