Operation Rolling Thunder

Operation Rolling Thunder, from March 1965 to November 1968, was a sustained bombing campaign targeting North Vietnam’s cities, factories and supply routes. Johnson hoped that increasing military pressure would weaken North Vietnam’s determination and reduce supplies reaching the Vietcong.

In 1965, Johnson launched Operation Rolling Thunder, a sustained bombing campaign against North Vietnam. Johnson and his advisers believed that heavier bombing would weaken the North Vietnamese leadership and pressure it to reduce its support for the conflict in the South. This was their intended outcome, not proof that bombing achieved it.

In 1965, Johnson launched sustained bombing of North Vietnam through Operation Rolling Thunder and authorised the deployment of regular US ground combat troops. The USA was now taking on a direct fighting role rather than primarily supporting South Vietnamese forces.