PRESIDENT ORDERS USAF TO FLY COMBAT MISSIONS AGAINST VC
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On December 6, 1961, President John F. Kennedy authorized the United States Air Force to fly combat missions against the Viet Cong in South Vietnam.
A caveat to the order, however, is that at least one Vietnam national must be aboard the striking aircraft "for training purposes."
JFK+50 NOTE
In October 1961, President Kennedy ordered the Air Force to send a combat unit to South Vietnam to assist the Saigon government in development of counter-insurgency capability.
It was code-named "Operation Farm Gate".
SOURCE
"USAF Given Order To Fly Combat Missions Against VC," JFK+50, December 6, 2011, www.jfk50.blogspot.com/
B26-B VNAF
Over Vietnam
United States Air Force Photo
