Changes

The timing of the retaliation order is significant because shortly after the Maddox and Turner Joy reported the attack, there was significant doubt that any action was taken by North Vietnam at all. McNamara was informed of this doubt, but decided to remain quiet because Pierce Arrow was already in motion. Johnson was also about to go on national television to describe the attacks and request the authority to undertake a military response, even though the decision had already been made.

====Operation Pierce Arrow====