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Vietnamese Victory over the French
Loosing the Dien Bien Phu command post marked the end of the French's willingness to continue fighting in Vietnam. -
America Enters the War
President John F. Kennedy orders new equipment along with 3,000 military advisors and support troops to help the South Vietnamese in their fight against Vietcong guerrillas. -
“Attack” on the USS Maddox
The USS Maddox reports that it was fired upon and is that it will soon be under attack. President Johnson orders a bombing raid on North Vietnamese naval bases. -
Gulf of Tonkin Resolution
America deepens it commitment to the war when Congress passes the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution giving President Johnson unlimited power to defend South Vietnam. -
Operation Starlite
America's first major battle of the war is a resounding victory over the Vietcong. -
The American Commitment
385,000 American troops are stationed in Vietnam with another 60,000 sailors stationed offshore. They face an estimated 280,000 Vietcong. -
The Tet Offensive
The Vietcong launch a massive attack across all of South Vietnam. The Tet Offensive is a catastrophe for the Vietcong who loose 37,000 troops and most of their best fighters and officers. US forces only loose 2,500 men, but after telling Americans the conflict is almost over, public support is shattered marking a turning point in the war. -
A Defeted President
Facing mounting causalities in Vietnam and intense public scrutiny, President Johnson announces that he will not seek a second term as President. -
Nixon Promises Peace with Honor
Richard M. Nixon wins the White House promising peace, with the goal of withdrawing American forces while allowing South Vietnam to survie. -
Kent State Shooting
Anti-Vietnam protests increase across the country. In Ohio National Guard units opened fire on students protesting the war at Kent State University. Four students were killed and nine others wounded. -
Operation Linebacker
President Nixon orders a massive bombing of North Vietnam targets after Paris peace talks break down days earlier. The 12 day campaign forces North Vietnam back to the peace talks, but also stirs more protests against the war at home. -
Cease Fire
A cease fire is signed between all warring parties marking the beginning of the end of American involvement in Vietnam. -
Homecoming
The last American combat troops leave South Vietnam. A skeleton force of advisors and Marines stay to protect US installations, but the defense of South Vietnam is left to the South Vietnamese Army. -
The Fall of Saigon
The final Marine force guarding the US embassy in Saigon evacuates. Hours later North Vietnamese tanks roll into the city markking the end of the war. -
Closeure
The dedication of the Vietnam War Memorial brought an end the a painful chapter of American history. The names of over 58,000 American dead etched on the marble memorial are a bitter reminder of the price of war.
