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  Following the surrender of Japan to Allied forces, Ho Chi Minh and his People's Congress create the National Liberation Committee of Vietnam to form a provisional government. Japan transfers all power to Ho's Vietminh.
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  Lt. Col. A. Peter Dewey, head of American OSS mission, was killed by Vietminh troops while driving a jeep to the airport. Reports later indicated that his death was due to a case of mistaken identity -- he had been mistaken for a Frenchman.
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  French General Etienne Valluy attempts, and fails, to wipe out the Vietminh in one stroke.
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  Bao Dai and President Vincent Auriol of France sign the Elysee Agreement. As part of the agreement the French pledge to assist in the building of a national anti-Communist army.
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  The United States sends $15 million dollars in military aid to the French for the war in Indochina. Included in the aid package is a military mission and military advisors.
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  France Grants Laos Full Independence
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  A force of 40,000 heavily armed Vietminh lay seige to the French garrison at Dienbienphu.
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  China and Soviet Union Pledge Additional Financial Support to Hanoi
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  The US Military Assistance Advisor Group (MAAG) assumes responsibility, from French, for training South Vietnamese forces
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  Thirteen Americans working for MAAG and US Information Service are wounded in terrorist bombings in Saigon.