Final answer:
1963 was a pivotal year due to significant events such as the Battle of Ap Bac and the assassination of South Vietnam's leader, leading to greater U.S. involvement in Vietnam.
Step-by-step explanation:
1963 was indeed a pivotal year in Vietnam for the United States. It was marked by significant events, including a major defeat for the South Vietnamese at the Battle of Ap Bac and the political turmoil culminating in the assassination of the South Vietnamese leader, President Ngo Dinh Diem. This year signaled a turning point in the Vietnam War as it increased doubt about the effectiveness of the South Vietnamese government and military, and led the U.S. to intensify its involvement in the conflict. The situation in Vietnam would eventually lead to the commitment of U.S. ground forces and a sustained bombing campaign against North Vietnam starting in 1965.