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The Beggining
North Vietnamese attack two U.S. destroyers sitting in international waters (the Gulf of Tonkin Incident). -
Response to Tonkin
In response to the Gulf of Tonkin Incident, the U.S. Congress passes the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution. -
Aerial Bombing
A sustained U.S. aerial bombing campaign of North Vietnam begins (Operation Rolling Thunder). -
First Troops
The first U.S. combat troops arrive in Vietnam. -
Troops Incline
U.S. troops in Vietnam reaches 540,000. -
Troop Withdrawal
President Nixon orders the first of many U.S. troop withdrawals from Vietnam. -
Cambodia via Nixon
President Nixon announces that U.S. troops will attack enemy locations in Cambodia. This news sparks nationwide protests, especially on college campuses. -
Paris Peace Accords
The Paris Peace Accords of 1973 intended to establish peace in Vietnam and an end to the Vietnam War, ended direct U.S. military involvement, and temporarily stopped the fighting between North and South Vietnam. -
All Troops are home.
The last United States combat soldiers leave South Vietnam. -
United as One
Vietnam is unified as a communist country, the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. -
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C. is dedicated.