Vietnam “Teach-In” Broadcast to Nation’s Universities: The practice of protesting US policy in Vietnam by holding “teach-ins” at colleges and universities becomes widespread. The first “teach-in” (featuring seminars, rallies, and speeches) takes place at the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor in March.
Operation “Rolling Thunder” Deployed: Sustained American bombing raids of North Vietnam, dubbed Operation Rolling Thunder, begin in February. The nearly continuous air raids would go on for three years.
Marines Arrive at Danang: The first American combat troops, the 9th Marine Expeditionary Brigade, arrive in Vietnam to defend the U.S. airfield at Danang. Scattered Vietcong gunfire is reported, but no Marines are injured.
Heavy Fighting at Ia Drang Valley: The first conventional battle of the Vietnam war takes place as American forces clash with North Vietnamese units in the Ia Drang Valley. The U.S. 1st Air Cavalry Division employs its newly enhanced technique of aerial reconnaissance to finally defeat the NVA although heavy casualties are reported on both sides.
US Troop Levels Top 200,000