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TABLE 3-1. STEPS TOWARD "GRAGUALISN" -- PLANNING DECISIONS, 1964-196s
DATE:
EVENT:
22 APR 64 (Memo, Dep, Sec. Def, to CJCS) Secretary of Defense Mr,
McNamara insisted that he personally approve every
MACV manpower space,
23 MAY 6' (Msg, CINCPAC to JCS, 2304182) MACV opposed to "flooding'
RVN with US personnel; preferred buildup on seiective
basis.
27 MAY 64 Msg, CINCPAC to JCS, 2708052) CINCPAC agreed with
COMUSMACV, outlined specific advisory buildup rec.mmended.
28 JUL 64 (Msg, COMUSMACV to JCS, MACJI 7044) COMUSM'%CV requested
4,200 personnel by 1 Dec 64.
7 AUG 64 (Memo, Sec. Def., to CJCS) McNamara directed that his
proposed accelerated deployment be completed by end of
Sept 64.,
11 AUG 64 (Msg, COMUSMACV to CINCPAC, MACJ3 7738) Westmoreland
could not absorb buildup in time requested by Sec. Def.
IS AUG 64 (Msg, JCS to CSA, CNO, CSAF et al., JCS 7953) Sec Def
cancelled dccelerated deployment, goes along witn
COMUSMACV.
26 FEB 65 Decision made in Washington to send Marines to Da Nang,
recommended by COMUSMACV on 22 Feb; Marines land 6 Mar,
16 MAR 65 (JCS message 0936) GEN H, K. Johnson ret.,rned from RVN,
recommended deployment of US combat forceý.
6 APR 65 (NSAM 328) President aoproved dispatch of 2 more Marine
battalions and air wing, autnorizea their diploymant
for active combat missions.
SOURCE: Pentagon Papers, Gravel Edition, Vol., i1, po. 416-423.
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