Vietnam War

Ho Chi Minh

Oct 15, 1945

Japan handed Vietnam to the Vietminh, Ho Chi Minh declared the Democratic Republic of Vietnam and French troops arrived back in Vietnam

Ceasefire

Jul 21, 1954

The Battle of Dien Bien Phu Giap defeated the French force based there and a ceasefire was agreed at Geneva that split Vietnam at the 17th Parallel. France withdrew her military from Vietnam. US promises aid worth $100 million to the anti-communist Diem.

Ngo Dinh Diem

Oct 26, 1955

Ngo Dinh Diem became President of South Vietnam in October. America agreed to train Diem’s army. South Vietnam becomes its own democracy.

American Bloodshed

Apr 30, 1960

American military advisors were killed in Vietnam the first US casualties and the Ho Chi Minh Trail was first used.

Vietcong

Dec 20, 1960

The National Liberation Front was formed in Hanoi though in the South, they were known as the Vietcong.

Extra Aid

May 16, 1961

US President Kennedy pledged extra aid to South Vietnam.

Diem Killed

Nov 2, 1963

President Diem was killed in a military coup and 15,000 US military advisors were in South Vietnam.

Gulf of Tonkin

Aug 2, 1964

America bombs targets in North Vietnam; NLF attacked US air bases

Boots on the Ground

Mar 16, 1965

‘Operation Rolling Thunder’ started first when US combat troops were sent to Vietnam in March.

Demographics

Dec 31, 1965

Troops in Viet:184,300
K.I.A:20,500
M.I.A:76,450

Tet Offensive

Jan 30, 1968

Tet Offensive was launched against South Vietnam.

Demographics

Dec 31, 1968

Troops in Viet.:536,100
K.I.A:30,160
M.I.A:192,850

Demographics

Dec 31, 1969

Troops in Viet.:475,200
K.I.A:40,024
M.I.A:262,796