Who awarded Forrest medal and escalated the war in Vietnam?

The Forrest Medal, named after Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest, is not directly linked to the Vietnam War. The escalation of the Vietnam War was primarily driven by U.S. political leaders, particularly President Lyndon B. Johnson, who authorized increased military involvement following events such as the Gulf of Tonkin Incident in 1964. This decision marked a significant turning point in the U.S. commitment to the conflict.