On November 28, 1964, members of the National Security Council convened to discuss the ongoing conflict in Vietnam and to propose a significant escalation of U.S. military involvement. Under the leadership of President Lyndon B. Johnson, the council deliberated on a plan that suggested a two-stage bombing escalation targeting North Vietnam. The discussions were fueled by the growing concern over the increasing influence of communist forces in Southeast Asia and the perceived necessity to bolster U.S. intervention to support the government in South Vietnam. Key military and diplomatic advisors highlighted the need for an assertive response to North Vietnam’s activities, including its support for the Viet Cong insurgency in the south.

The proposed two-stage plan sought to first conduct limited airstrikes, followed by more intensive bombing if necessary. As tensions escalated, the council aimed to demonstrate U.S. commitment to containing communism, which was a cornerstone of American foreign policy during the Cold War. The meeting included significant figures such as Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara and National Security Adviser McGeorge Bundy, who were instrumental in shaping the administration's response to the Vietnam crisis.

This strategic recommendation would later pave the way for increased military operations in Vietnam, influencing the direction of American involvement in the region for years to come. The outcomes of this meeting were pivotal, leading to decisions that would escalate the conflict dramatically during the years that followed, contributing to broader national debates about military engagement and foreign policy strategies.