Who preceded William Westmoreland as U.S. commander in Vietnam?

• A. Harold K. Johnson
• B. Maxwell D. Taylor
• C. Creighton Abrams
• D. Paul D. Harkins

Answer: (D)

The question tests who held the top U.S. field command in Vietnam immediately before Westmoreland. The person who led the U.S. side of MACV right before Westmoreland was Paul D. Harkins, who ran the MACV mission and oversaw the early escalation of U.S. involvement. Westmoreland then assumed command to push the American effort into a new phase, expanding operations and shaping the approach to fighting in Vietnam.

The other generals listed played important roles in different capacities: Harold K. Johnson was an Army Chief of Staff, not the MACV commander in that immediate line; Creighton Abrams would later command MACV after Westmoreland; Maxwell D. Taylor had earlier periods of high command and influence, but not the direct immediate predecessor in this sequence.