In early 1965, amid escalating conflict in Vietnam, the U.S. government made a pivotal decision to send combat troops directly into South Vietnam for the first time. This marked a departure from the previous strategy of deploying military advisors and trainers. The MIM-23 Hawk missile battalion, specifically designed for air defense, was sent to bolster the South Vietnamese military's capacity to deal with aerial threats. This action reflected the escalating commitment of the United States to support the South Vietnamese government against both Viet Cong insurgents and North Vietnamese forces. As tensions mounted and reports of Viet Cong successes became more alarmingly frequent, the decision to send this battalion was made by U.S. military leaders to assert American military presence and support in the region.

The immediate purpose of the Hawk missile systems was to protect crucial military installations and the cities of South Vietnam from aerial assaults. The decision was contentious among policymakers and raised significant concerns regarding the U.S. commitment to a deepening conflict that many feared might lead to a larger war. The move was also seen as a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy, reflecting a new phase of American military engagement in Southeast Asia, which would ultimately lead to a more extensive deployment of troops in the following years.