As an expert in the field of history, I can provide a detailed account of the presidential leadership during the Vietnam War era. The Vietnam War was a significant conflict in the 20th century, and it's important to understand the context and the individuals who were at the helm of the United States during this period.

The Vietnam War officially began following the Gulf of Tonkin Incident in August 1964, which led to the escalation of U.S. involvement after the alleged attacks on American destroyers by North Vietnamese forces. However, the seeds of this conflict were sown much earlier, with the First Indochina War (1946–1954) and the subsequent division of Vietnam into North and South at the 1954 Geneva Conference.

At the beginning of the Vietnam War, as it is widely recognized with the significant U.S. involvement, John F. Kennedy was the President of the United States. Kennedy, the 35th President, served from January 20, 1961, until his assassination on November 22, 1963. His administration saw an increase in military advisors in Vietnam, although he was hesitant to commit large numbers of combat troops.

Following Kennedy's assassination, Lyndon B. Johnson, the 36th President, assumed office and served from November 22, 1963, to January 20, 1969. Johnson's presidency was marked by a substantial increase in U.S. military presence in Vietnam. It was under his administration that the war escalated to its most intense levels, with the introduction of large-scale combat units and significant bombing campaigns.

After Johnson decided not to seek re-election in 1968, Richard Nixon was elected as the 37th President and served from January 20, 1969, until his resignation on August 9, 1974, in the wake of the Watergate scandal. Nixon pursued a policy of Vietnamization, aiming to gradually withdraw U.S. forces while increasing the combat role of South Vietnamese forces. The Paris Peace Accords were signed in January 1973, and while fighting continued for some time, this marked the beginning of the end of U.S. involvement in the war.

It's important to note that the involvement of the United States in Vietnam was a complex and controversial issue, with significant domestic and international implications. The war was highly divisive, leading to protests and a great deal of soul-searching within the United States. The legacy of the Vietnam War continues to influence American foreign policy and military strategy to this day.

In summary, while the Vietnam War spanned across the presidencies of three U.S. leaders, it was John F. Kennedy who was the president at the beginning of the war as it is commonly defined by the significant U.S. military escalation. His successor, Lyndon B. Johnson, escalated the war to its peak, and Richard Nixon eventually oversaw the withdrawal of U.S. forces.

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