Vietnam War

Ho Chi Minh Creates Provisional Government

Oct 27, 1945

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.Ho Declares Independence of Vietnam.
British Forces Land in Saigon, Return Authority to French.

First American Dies in Vietnam

Oct 27, 1945

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.

French and Vietminh Reach Accord

Oct 27, 1946

France recognizes Vietnam as a "free state" within the French Union. French troops replace Chinese in the North.
Negotiations Between French and Vietminh Breakdown.Indochina War Begins: Following months of steadily deteriorating relations, the Democratic Republic of Vietnam launches its first consorted attack against the French.

Valluy Fails to Defeat Vietminh

Oct 27, 1947

French General Etienne Valluy attempts, and fails, to wipe out the Vietminh in one stroke.

Elysee Agreement Signed

Oct 27, 1949

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.

Diem Urged to Negotiate with North,Diem Becomes President of Republic of Vietnam

Oct 31, 1955

Britain, France, and United States covertly urge Diem to respect Geneva accords and conduct discussions with the North.,Diem defeats Bao Dai in rigged election and proclaims himself President of Republic of Vietnam.

French Leave Vietnam US Training South Vietnamese

Oct 31, 1956

The US Military Assistance Advisor Group (MAAG) assumes responsibility, from French, for training South Vietnamese forces.

Communist Insurgency into South Vietnam

Oct 31, 1957

Communist insurgent activity in South Vietnam begins. Guerrillas assassinate more than 400 South Vietnamese officials. Thirty-seven armed companies are organized along the Mekong Delta.

Weapons Moving Along Ho Chi Minh Trail

Oct 31, 1959

North Vietnam forms Group 559 to begin infiltrating cadres and weapons into South Vietnam via the Ho Chi Minh Trail. The Trail will become a strategic target for future military attacks.

Kennedy Elected President

Oct 31, 1960

John F. Kennedy narrowly defeats Richard Nixon for the presidency.

Battle of Kienhoa Province

Oct 31, 1961

400 guerillas attack village in Kienhoa Province, and are defeated by South Vietnamese troops.

Paris Peace Talks Begin

Oct 31, 1968

Following a lengthy period of debate and discussion, North Vietnamese and American negotiators agree on a location and start date of peace talks. Talks are slated to begin in Paris on May 10 with W. Averell Harriman representing the United States, and former Foreign Minister Xuan Thuy heading the North Vietnamese delegation.