Answer:
in the "GULF OF TONKIN INCIDENT," north Vietnamese forces reportedly attacked the united states navy ship USS MADDOX. This really did happen but it was also reported to be a unprovoked attack. truth is the united states' had been supporting the south Vietnamese commandoes in the area, and using the commandoes to learn of north Vietnamese positions. this is critical information in a conflict. the attack was one major turning point in the unhappy history of the vietnam war. president johnson addressed the country on television and spoke of the attack, in August 1964. from here on out the involvement in Vietnam by united states military,and the whole idea of supporting the war was much more.