Communist guerrillas, the Vietcong, mount attacks on the south. US Congress supports expanded military commitment and retaliatory air strikes. Sustained US bombing of North Vietnam begins under the codename Rolling Thunder. Ground battles commence between US troops and Vietcong. First US draft card burnt at a protest rally.
Perpetrator is arrested.
US generals state that victory is in sight. North Vietnamese army and Vietcong launch Tet offensive, attacking Saigon and 30 provincial capitals. Images of fighting are televised in the US and Johnson refuses to stand for president in elections. Richard Nixon elected president. US and allies withdraw.