Gulf of Tonkin — The Attack That Didn't Happen
Retconned HistoryThe second Gulf of Tonkin incident (August 4, 1964), which escalated US involvement in Vietnam, likely never occurred.
What Was Taught
North Vietnamese torpedo boats attacked US destroyers twice in the Gulf of Tonkin, justifying the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution and massive escalation of the Vietnam War.
Primary Source Record
NSA documents declassified in 2005 confirmed that the August 4 attack almost certainly did not happen. Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara later admitted doubts. The August 2 incident did occur but was far less significant than reported. The resolution passed Congress with only 2 dissenting votes based on false information.
Significance
A fabricated or grossly exaggerated incident was used to justify a war that killed 58,000+ Americans and millions of Vietnamese. The primary source documents contradicting the official narrative were classified for 40 years.
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