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Vietnamese Victory over French
In this image, the Vietnamese are planting their flag on French headquarters. This symbolizes their victory after the French commander was forced to order a cease fire. The battle had gone on for fifty-five days. -
Ho Chi Minh Trail
Group 559 creates a supply route along the border between Vietnam and Cambodia. It is later known as the Ho Chi Minh Trail. It was an important source of support during the war. *Note: This event did not take place exactly on January 1, but it did occur in 1959. The exact month and date are unknown. -
America's First Combat Mission
America’s first combat operations against the Vietcong were launched on January 12, 1962. The missions were called Operation Chopper. This helicopter operation began America’s first helicopter war. -
Declined Peace Offering
America tried to make a deal with North Vietnam. The offered to provide economic help in exchange for peace. North Vietnam declined this offer so President Johnson increased America’s troops by more than 60,000. In addition to this, Australia and Korea supported the U.S. -
Operation Crimp
On this day, Operation Crimp was launch by America, which was allied by Australia. It was an operation that was intended to capture the Vietcong’s headquarters. This was the largest American operation during the war. -
Tet Offensive
This marks a turning point in the war. North Vietnam and Viet Cong forces launched numerous attacks on South Vietnam. North Vietnam succeeded and America began its slow withdrawal from the area. -
President Nixon Takes Office
President Richard Nixon took office. He guaranteed “Peace with honor” regarding Vietnam. His goal was to keep South Vietnam alive but also be able to withdraw the U.S. troops. -
Operation Menu
President Nixon authorized secret bombing of Cambodia. This secret planning was called “Operation Menu”. It was against international laws and treaties. -
Withdrawal of U.S. Troops
President Nixon and President Nguyen Van Thieu met on Midway Island. Nixon announced the withdrawal of 25,000 troops. -
Operations in Cambodia
Cambodia is attacked by South Vietnam. Several days later, 30,000 American forces are also attacked. The operations that took place here lasted more than 60 days and there were more than 10,000 casualties. -
Operation Lam Son 719
In Operation Lam Son 719, three South Vietnamese divisions accidently stumbled upon a North Vietnamese trap. Within a month, there were more than 9,000 South Vietnamese causalities. -
Operation Linebacker II
In Operation Linebacker II. President Nixon began a bombing campaign directed against North Vietnam. It lasted for twelve days and over 20,000 tons of bombs were dropped by the U.S. The U.S. had 93 causalities while North Vietnam suffered between 1,300 to 1,600 dead. -
Peace Agreement
A peace agreement was worked out between the U.S., Viet Cong, North Vietnam, and South Vietnam to officially sign a peace treaty. This agreement men a cease-fire throughout all of Vietnam and a withdrawal of all U.S. troops within 60 days. -
Resignation
President Richard Nixon officially resigns. -
The Fall of Saigon
The last two Americans to die in the Vietnam War are two Marines. After the Marines guarding the U.S. embassy lift off, the embassy is ransacked. Saigon, South Vietnam’s capital, is captured by Viet Cong. This event ends the war.
