Operation Rolling Thunder was a sustained aerial bombing campaign conducted by the United States during the Vietnam War. It was carried out between 1965 and 1968, primarily against North Vietnam. This military operation aimed to put pressure on the North Vietnamese government by strategically bombing their key infrastructure, such as highways, bridges, and industrial sites. The goal was to disrupt their military logistics and supply lines, weaken their economy, and demoralize the population.
The name "Rolling Thunder" was chosen to symbolize the continuing and escalating nature of the operation, intended to compel the Vietnamese Communists to negotiate a peace settlement with the United States. The bombing runs were carried out by aircraft carriers, land-based bombers, and support aircraft, often flying in coordinated formations known as "waves." The campaign involved the extensive use of explosive ordinance, including bombs, rockets, and napalm, resulting in considerable destruction and loss of life.
Operation Rolling Thunder was highly controversial both domestically and internationally. While some believed it was a necessary response to counter North Vietnam's support of the Viet Cong insurgency in the south, others criticized it for its indiscriminate nature, civilian casualties, and limited strategic effectiveness. Despite its military objectives, Rolling Thunder ultimately failed to force North Vietnam to surrender or negotiate peace, and the operation was phased out in 1968. However, it had a lasting impact on both the Vietnam War and U.S. foreign policy, as it became a symbol of the challenges and complexities faced by the American military in waging war in an unconventional and politically charged environment.
