The Viet Cong, a communist-led guerrilla force in South Vietnam, conducted a surprise attack on the town of Cái Bè in Định Tường Province. Armed with a mix of small arms and automatic weapons, the Viet Cong targeted South Vietnamese military and local government officials. The assault began in the early morning hours and quickly escalated, catching local forces off guard. This attack not only claimed the lives of 11 South Vietnamese soldiers but also resulted in substantial civilian casualties, with nearly half of the dead being children.

The attack on Cái Bè was part of a broader strategy employed by the Viet Cong to destabilize the South Vietnamese government and demonstrate their capabilities to the South Vietnamese population and their American allies. This year marked a significant escalation in the conflict, with the Viet Cong employing more aggressive tactics as support from North Vietnam increased. The image of children and innocent civilians suffering from the violence presented a harrowing portrayal of the war's consequences.

Responses to the attack varied, with American forces stepping up their support for the South Vietnamese military. This incident underscored the urgency for the South Vietnamese government to strengthen its military responses against the rising threat posed by the Viet Cong. In the following years, the conflict would further escalate, leading to deeper American involvement in Vietnam and increasing social and political turmoil in the region.