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Nationalist leader Ho Chi Minh
Nationalist leader Ho Chi Minh, who had trained in the Soviet Union but received aid from the US to fight the Japanese during World War II, declares that the Democratic Republic of Vietnam is the only legal government. This is recognised by the Soviet Union and China, but Australia supports the French-sponsored government of Emperor Bao Dai. Us provides military and economic aid to the French in Indochina. -
French defeated by Viet Minh
French defeated by Viet Minh at Dien Bien Phu, after a 55 day siege. The defeat signals the end to French presence in Indochina. -
US begins to funnel
US begins to funnel aid directly to the Saigon Government and agrees to train the South Vietnamese army. -
The Minister for Defence
The Minister for Defence (Reginald Townley) announces intention to send 30 army advisers to South Vietnam (SVN). -
Sergeant William Hacking becomes the first Australian to die in Vietnam
Advisor, Sergeant William Hacking becomes the first Australian to die in Vietnam when his weapon accidentally discharges after being caught in vegetation. -
reported attack on US ships
Following a reported attack on US ships in Tonkin Gulf, US Congress passes Tonkin Gulf Resolution giving President Johnson extraordinary powers to act in South Vietnam -
The Australian operations base
The base at Nui Dat in Phuoc Tuy province was fired at by the Viet Cong at 2am. This was singnifficant because the Australians went in not knowing the Australians were shot at as soon as they got up to the battle field and requested back up and there was no back up till later on. This battle was one of the hardest battles because of the battle condtions in the hot jungle and rainy condtins