Vientam War Important Dates

Ho Chi Minh

Oct 1, 1930

Communist revolutionary leader helps fund the Indochinese Communist Party.

Japan invades Vietnam

Sep 27, 1940

By joining World War II, Japan joins the German-Italian Axis coalition.

Chi Minh establishes Viet Minh

May 1, 1941

The Viet Minh—the League for the Independence of Vietnam—is founded.

Roosevelt Dies

Apr 12, 1945

Vice President Harry S. Truman becomes the 33rd President of the United States with the death of President Roosevelt,

Ho Chi Minh declares Vietname independent

Sep 2, 1945

With Chi Minh's declaration of independence, the country is called Democratic Republic of Vietnam.

French Defeat

May 7, 1954

The French suffer a decisive defeat at the Battle of Dien Bien Phu.

The Geneva Accords cease-fire

Jul 21, 1954

They created a cease-fire for the peaceful withdrawal of the French from Vietnam. It provided a temporary boundary between North and South Vietnam.

Republic of Vietnam

Oct 26, 1955

South Vietnam declares itself Republic Vietnam. Ngo Dinh Diem is elected president.

President Kennedy sends Special Forces

May 7, 1961

President Kennedy sends 100 special forces after the first two recorder American deaths during a Viet Minh guerillas strike.

Buddhist Monks Self-Immolate

Jun 11, 1963

A 66-year-old Buddhist monk named Thich Quang Duc, sets himself afire in protest of the South Vietnamese government.

Draft-dodging penalty

Aug 31, 1965

U.S. Congress passes the Selective Service Act. This amendment will criminalize the destruction of draft cards and violators will be subject to a five-year prison sentence and up to $10,000 in fines.

Mai Lai massacre

Mar 16, 1968

U.S. soldiers kill hundreds of Vietnamese civilians in the town of Mai Lai.

Ho Chi Minh dies

Sep 3, 1969

At age 79,communist revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh dies.

Vietnam Ceasefire

Jan 27, 1973

Representatives from South Vietnam, North Vietnam, and the United States sign a peace agreement. Ceasefire is declared and the U.S. agrees to withdraw combat troops. The South Vietnam government promises to hold free elections, allowing its people to decide their own future

Vietnam War ending official

Mar 29, 1973

The Vietnam War is officially over for the U.S. The last U.S. troop is withdrawn from Vietnam but some military personnel are left behind.

South Vietnam surrenders

Apr 30, 1975

South Vietnam surrenders to the communists.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Nov 13, 1982

A memorial that honors U.S. service members of the armed forces who fought in the war and those who were Missing in Action.