Foreign Relations of the United States, 1961–1963, Volume I, Vietnam, 1961

203. Memorandum From the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (Lemnitzer) to the Secretary of Defense (McNamara)¹

CM-414-61

Washington, October 31, 1961.

SUBJECT

• Support for Vietnam

1. Reference is made to CINCPAC message, DTG 180444Z October 1961,² wherein Admiral Felt recommended several U.S. military actions that should be taken at once in Viet-Nam short of introducing combat troops. Of the four air support actions (photo reconnaissance, T-28 augmentation, Jungle Jim, and helicopter support), implementing measures have been initiated except for the deployment of two U.S. Army Helicopter Companies.

2. In view of the deteriorating situation in Vietnam, a general increase in mobility capabilities is an urgent requirement. As an immediate measure, the Joint Chiefs of Staff have agreed that the deployment of two U.S. Army Helicopter Companies with maintenance detachments should be accomplished without delay. Specifically, two companies of H-21 type helicopters were approved in conference with Admiral Felt on 27 October.³ With timely authorization for this action, the units could be transported by the U.S. carrier now expected to depart from the West Coast about 15 November with the T-28 aircraft augmentation for Vietnam.

3. U.S. Army personnel for these units would total 412, with 40 H-21 and 4 H-13 helicopters. Preferably, these units should operate as U.S. military units, with U.S. aircraft markings and the personnel in military uniforms. Operations would be conducted as directed by the Chief, MAAG, Vietnam.

4. In view of a favorable reaction by Mr. U. Alexis Johnson in discussing this proposal with Admiral Felt on 26 October,⁴ a draft implementing message has been made available to your office and Mr. Johnson’s office.⁵

5. The Joint Chiefs of Staff recommend urgent consideration and approval for deployment of the two helicopter companies so that the movement to Viet-Nam can be accomplished by the carrier departing about 15 November 1961.⁶

L.L. Lemnitzer⁷

1. Source: Washington National Records Center, RG 330, OASD/ISA Files: FRC 64 A 2382, Viet-Nam 092 Jan.-Oct. 1961. Top Secret.
2. Dated October 18. (Ibid., RG 319, HQDA Message Center Microfilm, Reel 10584)
3. No record was found of this conference.
4. No record was found of this discussion.
5. Attached to the source text, but not printed.
6. In a memorandum of October 31 to Lemnitzer, Brigadier General George S. Brown, Military Assistant to the Secretary of Defense, wrote that McNamara had suggested that “maximum advantage be taken of the time between now and a decision on this and other actions incident to Vietnam, following General Taylor’s report to the President” and that such advantage should be gained “through initiation of all actions possible on the assumption that the recommendations of the Joint Chiefs of Staff will be approved.” (Washington National Records Center, RG 330, OASD/ISA Files: FRC 64 A 2382, Viet-Nam 092 Jan.-Oct. 1961)
7. Printed from a copy that bears this stamped signature.