Korean and Vietnam Wars

Korea divided between North and South

Sep 18, 1945

Following Japanese surrender, Soviets maintained military presence in the North with American troops in the South. Temporary border at 38th parallel established

North Korea invades South Korea

Jun 24, 1950

Whether North Koreans acted with Stalin's approval is still debated.

Truman orders air and naval support for South Korea & calls for UN intervention

Jun 27, 1950

With the Soviet Union absent from the Security Council, the U.S. was able to win agreement from UN to support South Korea. MacArthur appointed to command UN operations.

Truman relieves MacArthur of command

Apr 11, 1951

Following several warnings about insubordination, Truman angers public (69% support MacArthur) by firing the US commander.

Armistice formally re-established the division of Korea

Mar 16, 1953

Formal peace treaty never signed. Over 1,000,000 Koreans and 54,000 Americans killed in conflict plus thousands who die as prisoners of war.

Ho Chi Minh

Mar 14, 1959

Ho Chi Minh declared all out war in order to unite Vietnam under one rule.

U.S military advisors

Dec 17, 1961

US military advisors begin to take a direct role in the war.

U.S Officials Arrive

Mar 8, 1965

The first official US combat troops arrive in Vietnam. The US begins a bombing campaign of Northern Vietnam called Operation Rolling Thunder.

North Vietnam takes action

Jan 30, 1968

North Vietnam launches the Tet Offensive attacking around 100 cities in Southern Vietnam.

President takes action

Jul 16, 1969

President Nixon begins the withdrawal of US troops.