THE WAR INTENSIFIES
In early 1965 the Viet Cong further intensified their guerilla war and began direct attacks on U.S. forces. The VC also scored some impressive victories over South Vietnamese troops. With the passage of the Tonkin Gulf Resolution, the U.S. increased its forces even more. Military and civilian officials in Washington, D.C., no longer spoke of withdrawing U.S. personnel -- rather, they talked of additional U.S. forces for South Vietnam with President Lyndon Johnson generally in approval.
During the last half of 1965, the Viet Cong launched several large-scale attacks against South Vietnamese and U.S. positions. In each instance, U.S. airpower made a significant contribution against the enemy efforts. Still, the elusive Viet Cong moved at night and attacked lines of communication at will.
By 1966, U.S. strength had grown to 385,000 personnel, reinforced by troops from South Korea, Australia and New Zealand. Viet Cong successes diminished considerably, and their only significant victory was overrunning a Special Forces camp in the A Shau Valley in March. Because of heavy Viet Cong losses in 1966, North Vietnam sent more than 58,000 of its regular troops to bolster the VC in South Vietnam.
In 1967 U.S. strength in the South Vietnamese war zone grew to 486,000 personnel. A new plan was instituted where South Vietnamese troops were to pacify the countryside, while U.S. and allied forces battled the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese troops. By the end of the year, the enemy had not won a single major victory. North Vietnam, however, built up its forces in Cambodia and Laos for another try.
Click on the following links to learn more about the Southeast Asia War.
USAF Gunships in Southeast Asia
Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard
Dangerously Close! USAF Close Air Support in the Southeast Asia War
Raven Forward Air Controllers
A-1 in SEA
Mobile and Dependable: Prime BEEF and RED HORSE in Southeast Asia
Forward Air Controllers (FACs)
AN/MSR-1 ("Misery") Communications Intercept Van
AN/MRC-108 Communications System
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