What really happened in the Gulf of Tonkin?
On 2 August 1964, North Vietnamese patrol torpedo boats attacked the USS Maddox (DD-731) while the destroyer was in international waters in the Gulf of Tonkin. There is no doubting that fact. But what happened in the Gulf during the late hours of 4 August—and the consequential actions taken by U.S.
What really happened to the USS Maddox in the Tonkin?
On 2 August 1964, North Vietnamese patrol torpedo boats attacked the USS Maddox (DD-731) while the destroyer was in international waters in the Gulf of Tonkin. There is no doubting that fact.
What did McNamara say about the Gulf of Tonkin attack?
[6] [7] A taped conversation of a meeting several weeks after passage of the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution was released in 2001, revealing that McNamara expressed doubts to Johnson that the attack had even occurred. [56]
What was the US Navy doing in the Tonkin Gulf?
The U.S. Navy, meanwhile, had been conducting occasional reconnaissance and SIGINT-gathering missions farther offshore in the Tonkin Gulf. Destroyers carried out these so-called Desoto patrols.
What two destroyers were involved in the Gulf of Tonkin?
Maddox and U.S.S. Turner Joy, which allegedly occurred on August 2 and August 4, 1964, respectively. The two destroyers were stationed in the Gulf Tonkin, a body of water now often referred to as the East Vietnam Sea, in waters that separate Vietnam from the Chinese island of Hainan.
What happened to USS Maddox in the Gulf of Tonkin?
Vietnam War August 2 the destroyer USS Maddox was attacked by North Vietnamese torpedo boats while on electronic surveillance patrol in the Gulf of Tonkin.
Why did the USS Maddox get attacked?
The Maddox called for air support from the USS Ticonderoga which sent Crusaders to attack the North Vietnamese boats. The three boats launched torpedoes which failed to hit the Maddox. The Maddox hit one of the boats with its guns and the other two were hit by the jets from the Ticonderoga.
What was the American destroyer the Maddox doing in the harbor?
Departing on 14 March, the destroyer steamed off the Japanese home islands where she was on picket station during the air strikes on Kyushu and southern Honshu. She proceeded to Okinawa on 23 March to provide support for preinvasion strikes, remaining on duty there after the invasion date of 1 April.
Where was the US destroyer when it was fired upon?
Gulf of Tonkin incident, complex naval event in the Gulf of Tonkin, off the coast of Vietnam, that was presented to the U.S. Congress on August 5, 1964, as two unprovoked attacks by North Vietnamese torpedo boats on the destroyers Maddox and Turner Joy of the U.S. Seventh Fleet and that led to the Gulf of Tonkin ...
Who fired first in Gulf of Tonkin?
At about 1505G, Maddox fired three rounds to warn off the communist [North Vietnamese] boats. This initial action was never reported by the Johnson administration, which insisted that the Vietnamese boats fired first.
What actually happened in the Gulf of Tonkin on August 2?
On 2 August 1964, North Vietnamese patrol torpedo boats attacked the USS Maddox (DD-731) while the destroyer was in international waters in the Gulf of Tonkin. There is no doubting that fact.
Was the USS Turner Joy attacked?
The ship was involved in the Gulf of Tonkin Incident in August 1964 when North Vietnamese naval forces attacked the USS Turner Joy and the USS Maddox. The attacks prompted the US Congress to issue the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, which provided a legal justification for the escalating conflict in Vietnam.
Did the Navy use Agent Orange in Vietnam?
SELECTED CHEMICALS USED DURING THE VIETNAM WAR By far the most widely used herbicide in Vietnam was Agent Orange, followed by Agent White; other tactical herbicides that were used during the war include Agent Blue, Agent Purple, Agent Pink, and Agent Green.
Did the USS Maddox sink?
Maddox was laid down on 7 May 1942 by the Federal Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Company, Kearny, New Jersey and launched on 15 September 1942; sponsored by Mrs....USS Maddox (DD-622)HistoryUnited StatesFateSunk by German air attack, 10 July 1943Stricken19 August 1943General characteristics17 more rows
What boats were used in Vietnam?
Naval Warfare History | Vietnam Conflict1969. Armored Troop Carrier (ATC) ... 1969. Assault Support Patrol Boat (ASPB) (Alpha Boat) ... 1964. Command and Communications Boat (CCB) ... 1966. PACV / ACV (Pac-Vee / Monster) ... 1962. Patrol Boat Fast (PTF) ... 1966. Patrol Boat Riverine (PBR) ... 1965. Patrol Craft Fast (PCF) (Swift Boat) ... 1959.
Who were the ARVN during the Vietnam War?
The Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) was the main fighting force of the Republic of Vietnam, or South Vietnam, during the war. Established on the republic's founding in 1955, ARVN began with 150,000 troops, and by 1975 included over one million men-at-arms.
What happened in the Gulf of Tonkin?
Congress on August 5, 1964, as two unprovoked attacks by North Vietnamese torpedo boats on the destroyers Maddox and Turner Joy of the U.S. Seventh Fleet and that led to the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, ...
Who was the secretary of defense during the Gulf of Tonkin?
Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara and President Johnson were both convinced of the reality of the second attack, however, and thus they asked Congress to pass the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution. Patricia Bauer.
What was the Tonkin Gulf Resolution?
Analyze the effects of the Tonkin Gulf Resolution passed under the Johnson administration amid the Vietnam War. In August 1964, in response to an alleged attack by North Vietnamese patrol boats on U.S. destroyers in the Gulf of Tonkin, the U.S. Congress authorized President Lyndon B. Johnson to take any action necessary to deal with threats ...
What incident led to the United States becoming directly involved in the Vietnam War?
Overview of the Gulf of Tonkin incident, which led to the United States' becoming directly involved in the Vietnam War. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. See all videos for this article. By the night of August 4, the U.S. military had intercepted North Vietnamese communications that led officials to believe that a North Vietnamese attack on its ...
Why were the destroyers sent to the area in 1964?
The destroyers were sent to the area in 1964 in order to conduct reconnaissance and to intercept North Vietnamese communications in support of South Vietnamese war efforts.
Why was the Turner Joy sent to reinforce the Maddox?
The event led the U.S. to believe that North Vietnam was targeting its intelligence -gathering mission, and therefore the Turner Joy was sent to reinforce the Maddox.
How deep is the Gulf of Tonkin?
The gulf is 300 miles (500 km) long, 150 miles (250 km) wide, and up to 230 feet (70 metres) deep. The main shipping route is via…. History at your fingertips.
What was the Gulf of Tonkin incident?
The Gulf Of Tonkin Incident: The Lie That Sparked The Vietnam War. In August 1964, the United States entered the Vietnam War after reports of an unprovoked attack in the Gulf of Tonkin. But the reports were false — and the president knew it. In August 1964, the USS Maddox destroyer was stationed in the Gulf of Tonkin off the coast of North Vietnam.
When did the Gulf of Tonkin attack?
Wikimedia Commons A map of the Gulf of Tonkin, where the supposed attacks took place on Aug. 4, 1964. By 1964, the pressure on these waters had reached a boil, and North Vietnamese forces were not about to stand still against these operations.
What did Stockdale say about the Gulf of Tonkin?
Stockdale later said, “We were about to launch a war under false pretenses, in the face of the on-scene military commander’s advice to the contrary.”. Despite this, he led a strike of 18 aircraft against an oil storage facility located just inland of where the alleged Gulf of Tonkin incident had occurred.
What was the USS Maddox sent to patrol?
At the end of July 1964, the USS Maddox was sent to patrol the waters off the North Vietnamese coastline in the Gulf of Tonkin.
What happened to the USS Maddox?
After these first shots, the North Vietnamese forces made their attack. Captain Herrick radioed that the USS Maddox was under attack , and U.S. officials ordered nearby aircraft from the USS Ticonderoga to fly in as backup.
What did Herrick say about Honolulu?
During the early hours of the morning of August 5, Herrick sent a message to Honolulu that said, “Review of action makes many reported contacts and torpedoes fired appear doubtful. Freak weather effects on radar and overeager sonarmen may have accounted for many reports. No actual visual sighting by Maddox.
Where was the USS Maddox stationed?
In August 1964, the USS Maddox destroyer was stationed in the Gulf of Tonkin off the coast of North Vietnam. On August 2, it was attacked by North Vietnamese torpedo boats. And then, two days later, on August 4, the Johnson administration claimed that it had been attacked again.
What was the secret side of the Tonkin Gulf incident?
The Secret Side of the Tonkin Gulf Incident. A firewall existed between covert patrol-boat attacks on North Vietnamese positions and Desoto patrols eavesdropping on shore-based communications. The North Vietnamese didn’t buy the distinction; they attacked the USS Maddox.
What aircraft did the North Vietnamese use to sink the Maddox?
The North Vietnamese turned for shore with the Maddox in pursuit. Aircraft from the Ticonderoga (CVA-14) appeared on the scene, strafing three torpedo boats and sinking the one that had been damaged in the battle with the Maddox.
How far away from the coast did the Desoto patrol?
Until 1964, Desoto patrols stayed at least 20 miles away from the coast. But on 7 January, the Seventh Fleet eased the restriction, allowing the destroyers to approach to within four miles—still one mile beyond North Vietnamese territorial waters as recognized by the United States.
How many shots did the Maddox fire?
When the enemy boats closed to less than 10,000 yards, the destroyer fired three shots across the bow of the lead vessel. In response, the North Vietnamese boat launched a torpedo. The Maddox fired again—this time to kill—hitting the second North Vietnamese boat just as it launched two torpedoes.
Who suggested that a U.S. Navy ship could be used to vector 34A boats to their targets?
The Commander-in-Chief, Pacific, Admiral Harry D. Felt, agreed and suggested that a U.S. Navy ship could be used to vector 34A boats to their targets. 6. The lack of success in SOG’s missions during the first few months of 1964 made this proposal quite attractive. But by the end of June, the situation had changed.
Who was the commander of Division 192?
Captain John J. Herrick, Commander Destroyer Division 192, embarked in the Maddox, concluded that there would be "possible hostile action.". He headed seaward hoping to avoid a confrontation until daybreak, then returned to the coast at 1045, this time north of Hon Me.
Who commanded PTF-3 and PTF-6?
At Hon Nieu, the attack was a complete surprise. Just after midnight on 31 July, PTF-2 and PTF-5, commanded by Lieutenant Huyet, arrived undetected at a position 800 yards northeast of the island.
What did Johnson say about the Gulf of Tonkin incident?
In private, Johnson himself expressed doubts about the Gulf of Tonkin incident, reportedly telling a State Department official that “those dumb, stupid sailors were just shooting at flying fish!”. He also questioned the idea of being in Vietnam at all.
What happened in 1943?
The Harlem Riot of 1943 begins. 6 Times the Olympics Were Boycotted. 8 Facts About Ancient Egypt's Hieroglyphic Writing. Throughout these hectic few days, the Johnson administration asserted that the destroyers had been on routine patrol in international waters.
What aircraft carrier did the Maddox use?
With the help of F-8 Crusader jets dispatched from a nearby aircraft carrier, the Maddox badly damaged at least one of the North Vietnamese boats while emerging completely unscathed, except for a single bullet that lodged in its superstructure.
Did the second attack on the Turner Joy happen?
Another problem: the second attack almost certainly never occurred. Instead, it’s believed that the crewmembers of the Maddox mistook their own sonar’s pings off the rudder for North Vietnamese torpedoes. In the confusion, the Maddox nearly even fired at the Turner Joy.
What was the Gulf of Tonkin incident?
The Gulf of Tonkin incident was a brief confrontation between United States and North Vietnamese warships. It took place off the coast of northern Vietnam in August 1964. The Gulf of Tonkin incident provided a trigger for greater American involvement in Vietnam.
What happened at the Gulf of Tonkin?
1. The Gulf of Tonkin incident occurred on August 4th 1964, when the USS Maddox reported that it had been attacked by torpedo boats operating out of North Vietnam. 2. Two days later, US President Lyndon Johnson addressed the nation.
What was the USS Maddox?
USS Maddox. At the centre of the Gulf of Tonkin incident was the USS Maddox, one of several American naval vessels patrolling the seas east of North Vietnam. The USS Maddox was an armed destroyer – but she was also outfitted to gather intelligence by monitoring North Vietnamese radio transmissions, radar and defence systems.
How long did the Gulf of Tonkin conflict last?
The unfolding conflict in Vietnam lasted ten years but remained an undeclared war.
What resolution was passed after the attack on the USS Maddox?
On August 10th, a week after the attack on the USS Maddox, Congress passed the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution (officially titled Asia Resolution 88-408), which read in part:
What was the name of the mission that Johnson ordered to bomb the Gulf of Tonkin?
On August 5th, the day after addressing the nation, Johnson ordered a small but precise series of bombing runs. Codenamed Operation Pierce Arrow , this mission saw American planes fly 64 sorties to bomb major torpedo boat bases along North Vietnam’s coastline.
What did the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution give Johnson?
A historian’s view: “The Gulf of Tonkin Resolution gave Johnson a temporary respite from unpleasant choices in Vietnam…. Having stood up to communist aggression, Johnson now sounded a moderate note.
Who is the historian of the Gulf of Tonkin?
Among the most revealing documents is a study of the Gulf of Tonkin incidents by NSA historian Robert J. Hanyok.
What ship was ordered to patrol the North Vietnamese coast?
Johnson ordered the USS Turner Joy (DD-951) to join the first destroyer on patrol off the North Vietnamese coast. That night, the South Vietnamese staged more OPLAN 34A raids. Three patrol craft attacked a security garrison at Cua Ron (the mouth of the Ron River) and a radar site at Vinh Son, firing 770 rounds of high-explosive munitions at the targets. 8 North Vietnamese installations had been attacked four separate times in five days.
How long did Stockdale fly at low altitude?
When his wingman's aircraft developed trouble, Stockdale got permission to launch solo from the Ticonderoga. He arrived overhead at 2135. For more than 90 minutes, he made runs parallel to the ships' course and at low altitude (below 2,000 feet) looking for the enemy vessels.
Where was the Maddox destroyer?
On 28 July, the Maddox sortied from Taiwan en route to her Desoto patrol station. Specially equipped with a communications intercept van and 17 SIGINT specialists, she was to patrol in international waters off the North Vietnamese coast, from the demilitarized zone (DMZ) north to the Chinese border. On the night of 30-31 July, the destroyer was on station in the Gulf of Tonkin when a 34A raid was launched against Hon Me Island. From two boats, South Vietnamese commandos fired machine guns and small cannon at the island's radar and military installations. At the same time, two other South Vietnamese commando boats carried out a similar attack against Hon Ngu Island, more than 25 miles to the south. 4
How many papers were classified as top secret?
The papers, more than 140 of them classified top secret, include phone transcripts, oral-history interviews, signals intelligence (SIGINT) messages, and chronologies of the Tonkin events developed by Department of Defense and NSA officials.
What happened on August 2 1964?
On 2 August 1964, North Vietnamese patrol torpedo boats attacked the USS Maddox (DD-731) while the destroyer was in international waters in the Gulf of Tonkin. There is no doubting that fact. But what happened in the Gulf during the late hours of 4 August—and the consequential actions taken by U.S. officials in Washington—has been seemingly cloaked in confusion and mystery ever since that night.
Why were the signals intercepted during the night of 2 and 4 August falsified?
The historian also concluded that some of the signals intercepted during the nights of 2 and 4 August were falsified to support the retaliatory attacks. Moreover, some intercepts were altered to show different receipt times, and other evidence was cherry picked to deliberately distort the truth.
What happened after the Gulf of Tonkin?
Three years after the Gulf of Tonkin incident, in 1967, the United States was bogged down in a full scale war in Vietnam. However, disturbing facts had arisen about what really happened on the “high seas” in 1964.
When did the Gulf of Tonkin happen?
In early August 1964 , what became known as the Gulf of Tonkin incident hit the news. At the time, most Americans were aware that there was a growing conflict in Vietnam, but they’d been told that the US presence was limited to a small number of military advisers.
What did Lyndon Johnson say about the Vietnam War?
He said that the attacks, occurring in rapid succession “on the high seas,” had been mounted by North Vietnam. He assured the nation that he would treat any further unprovoked aggression by North Vietnam as a cause for military retaliation, but went on to say that he had no desire for war in Southeast Asia,
What happened to the USS Maddox?
OGIER, Jr., USN, with Commander Destroyer Division 192 (CTG 72.1), Captain J. J. HERRICK, USN, embarked, was conducting a surveillance and intelligence patrol (DESOTO) in the Gulf of Tonkin. During the afternoon of that date, Maddox, while in international waters about 28 miles from the coast of North Vietnam was attacked by three North Vietnamese (DRV) PT boats. Maddox successfully evaded three observed torpedoes and took the attacking PT boats under fire. Maddox suffered no damage.
What is the most effective surface weapon for use against motor gunboats and PT craft?
16. It is felt that the 5"/54 is the most effective surface weapon available for use against Motor Gunboats and PT craft because of the larger projectile and higher rate of fire.
What was Turner Joy's mission?
Turner Joy' s specific mission was to assist Maddox in the continuance of the DESOTO patrol. The Order of Battle and composition of hostile forces were only vaguely known to Turner Joy prior to the engagement due to her late entry into the patrol.
The Spark of The Vietnam War
The First Attack in The Gulf of Tonkin
- At the end of July 1964, the USS Maddoxwas sent to patrol the waters off the North Vietnamese coastline in the Gulf of Tonkin. It had been ordered to “locate and identify all coastal radar transmitters, note all navigation aids along the DVR’s [Democratic Republic of Vietnam’s] coastline, and monitor the Vietnamese junk fleet for a possible connection to DRV/Viet Cong ma…
The Alleged Second Attack
- The next day, the USS Maddox once again resumed its normal patrol, this time alongside another U.S. Navy destroyer, the USS Turner Joy. The two destroyers stayed miles away from the coastlines in the Gulf of Tonkin. Still, U.S. intelligence reportedly intercepted messages indicating that the North Vietnamese forces were planning offensive operation...
The U.S. Aftermath of The Gulf of Tonkin Incident
- Despite the captain’s efforts to correct the errors of his original messages during the Gulf of Tonkin incident, U.S. officials took the idea of unprovoked attacks and ran with it. Shortly after the attack was reported, President Johnson made his decision to retaliate. He immediately appeared in front of the United States with a televised speech. “As President and Commander in Chief,” he …
The Truth Comes Out
- Recently released tapes and documents reveal the truth — and lies — of the Gulf of Tonkin incident and its resolution. Some people suspected the deception all along. In 1967, former naval officer John White, who had spoken to the men involved in the alleged attack on August 4, 1964, wrote a letterstating, “I maintain that President Johnson, Secretary McNamara and the Joint Chi…