What is the Gulf Tonkin incident and when did it happen?

Answer 1

The US Navy patrolled the coasts of both North & South Vietnam. In 1964, some North Vietnamese Navy PT Boats (Patrol Torpedo) attacked the US Navy destroyer, USS Maddox in the Gulf of Tonkin, they had a running gun battle with each other, the Maddox called in air support, and reportedly, one or more North Viet PT boats were sunk. The US Navy reinforced the Tonkin Gulf with more ships, as a show of force, and another incident occurred, involving the USS Turner Joy (now preserved as a museum/war memorial near Seattle, Washington). Jets again were called in, but saw nothing; creating controversy concerning this attack. President Johnson urged congress to allow him the power to protect US forces while operating at sea. Congress allowed him to do that, and passed the "Gulf of Tonkin" resolution. In 1965, President Johnson sent in US Regular's (combat troops) to South Vietnam, to further that objective.