Expeditionary· Vietnam War
1962 Thailand deployment
The 1962 Thailand deployment sent United States Marines to Thailand as a show of force during the Laotian crisis, when the deteriorating situation in neighboring Laos raised fears that Communist gains might spill across the border and threaten Thailand.
Mounted almost simultaneously with the Marine helicopter deployment to South Vietnam, the move placed a Marine ground force in Thailand to deter further Communist advance and to reassure an allied government, demonstrating American resolve in mainland Southeast Asia. The Marines took up positions and stood ready, but the deployment was a measured display of strength rather than a combat operation, and the force withdrew as the Laotian situation moved toward a diplomatic settlement. The episode illustrated the United States' willingness to use rapid Marine deployments as instruments of Cold War policy in the region, projecting power to stabilize a threatened ally without entering into open conflict.
Record no. 662