This document states that based on available information from SIGINT that it was unable to determine who ordered the attack from the Democratic
Republic of Vietnam (DRV) on the USS Maddox during the Gulf of Tonkin Incident or when the order was given. As also reported in previous documents the
three PT boats were tracking the vessel and on August 2nd, 1964 shot torpedoes at the Destroyer, which it was able to evade. The USS Maddox fired back
and planes were sent in and fired on the PT boats.
The reports explains that prior to the incident that the DRV had complained about incursions by the US and South Vietnamese in the area and they were
shelling two islands. According to the document, this could have provoked the attack on the USS Maddox.
The Gulf of Tonkin Incident prompted the US Congress to pass the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, which gave President Johnson authority to use military
force to defend allies in the area and ultimately lead to the beginning of the Vietnam War.
Related FOIA Document:
FOIA: DRV attack on US Ships in Gulf of Tonkin; 2 - 4 August 1964
FOIA: Summary of DRV Naval Communications Revealing Pre-Planned Attacks on USS Maddox 
