Ellsberg admired Harry Truman's response -- a commitment to supporting democracies and containing Soviet influence from spreading further.
-- Author (Cold Warrior paragraph 11)

Importance: As a high school student, Ellsberg was interested in political events. He admired Truman for standing up to Soviet aggression.

How should one act when consequences are uncertain?
-- Author (Cold Warrior paragraph 15)

Importance: This question was one that became a major theme in Ellsberg's life and the decisions he made.

Review of action makes many reported contacts and torpedoes fired appear doubtful. Freak weather effects on radar and overeager sonar men may have accounted for many reports. No actual visual sightings by Maddox. Suggest complete evaluation before any further action taken.
-- Captain Herrick (Day One paragraph 36)

Importance: Herrick first reported that U.S. destroyers were under attack in the Tonkin Bay but further messages from him downplayed the possibility.

Ellsberg learned the truth about the South Vietnamese attacks on North Vietnam. McNamara had told Congress the United States had 'played absolutely no part...
-- Author (Hostile Action paragraph 47)