August 7, 1964 -- In response to the incidents involving US naval vessels USS. Maddox and the USS. Turner Joy, the US. Congress overwhelmingly passes the "Gulf of Ton-kin Resolution," allowing the President "to take all necessary steps, including the use of armed force" to prevent further attacks against US. forces. Many people view this as the "official" start of the war, although there was never a declaration of war.
March 8, 1965 -- The first US. combat troops arrive in Vietnam, as 3500 Marines land at China Beach to defend the American air base at Da Nang. They join 23,000 American military advisers already in Vietnam. The arrival of combat troops is considered by some the start of the war, although American military advisers have been in Vietnam for over 10 years.

It escalated from this point on until the US. withdrew in 1973. Vietnam was at war from 1945 until 1973.

John Rouse - In My Own Words:

Years later after I returned from the Philippines and Vietnam, I began to question why so many Americans and Vietnamese died and were maimed (emotionally and physically) in those 10 years of military conflict.  There has been a lot written about the economics and politics behind many of the decisions.  Here is a web site I think is worth reading. http://chss.montclair.edu/english/furr/vnmont84.html

There are many more just like it.  Read, become informed and decide for yourself.  OK, I'll get off my soap box.  I did not create this site to be a forum for debates on government, military, religion, etc.

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