In September 1964, South Vietnam was rife with political instability and ongoing conflict with communist forces. Amid this turmoil, Generals Lâm Văn Phát and Dương Văn Đức sought to capitalize on the discontent by mounting a coup against General Nguyễn Khánh, who had been in power through a military coup in January. Phát and Đức, both significant military figures, aimed to challenge what they considered Khánh's ineffective leadership in managing the war effort against the Viet Cong insurgents. The duo believed that ousting Khánh would allow for a more effective military approach and restore stability to the South Vietnamese government.

As the coup unfolded, it faced several complications. Disorganization and lack of support from key military factions hindered their efforts. Soon after the attempt commenced, loyalist forces responded, swiftly thwarting the coup. The repercussions were immediate, as both generals were arrested, leading to a reassertion of Khánh’s power. This coup attempt illustrated the pervasive nature of military conflicts in South Vietnam, where leadership changes frequently spiraled into political chaos. The unsuccessful bid also emphasized the fragility of governance in South Vietnam during a period filled with internal divisions and external pressures from the North.

The aftermath of the failed coup solidified General Nguyễn Khánh's grip on power, albeit temporarily. It also highlighted the intense rivalry and distrust between various military leaders, which would continue to fuel further upheavals in the years that followed. With South Vietnam heavily relying on American support, the U.S. became increasingly involved in trying to stabilize the government amidst the ongoing Vietnam War, marking a significant turning point in U.S. foreign policy toward Vietnam. Thus, the failed coup became a snapshot of the complexities and challenges within South Vietnam’s military governance during a crucial phase of the conflict.