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Japan seizes Vietnam
Japan overthrows the French colonial rule over Vietnam out of fear of American invasion. -
First U.S. Serviceman Killed in Vietnam
Lt. Col. Peter Dewey lost his life in Saigon. He was the fisr of over 59,000 Americans to die in the conflict. -
Ho Chi Minh Comes to Power
Ho Chi Minh formally takes control of North Vietnam after the French surrender and leave the country. -
South Vietnam Established
The Republic of South Vietnam becomes a separate country in opposition to Communist rule in North Vietnam -
North Vietnamese Draft
Universal conscription for young North Vietnamese men is established in an effort to build up troops for armed conflict. -
Operation Chopper
The first American combat mission in Vietnam -
Foreign Assistance Act of 1962
President John F. Kennedy signs the Foreign Assistance Act of 1962, providing military assistance to countries at risk of falling to Communism, including Vietnam. -
Gulf of Tonkin Resolution
Congress passes the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, authorizing President Johnson to do whatever he needed to defend Southeast Asia from Communism. -
Operation Crimp
The largest U.S. operation of the Vietnam War is launched, and fails at its mission to find a Viet Cong base. -
Tet Offensive
The Viet Cong launches large scale attacks on South Vietnames and American forces. -
Kent State Shooting
The Ohio National Guard shot and killed 4 students at an anti-war protest on the Kent State University campus. -
Cease Fire
Representatives from all groups involved in the Vietnam War sign a cease fire. -
Nixon Resigns
President Nixon, a stong advocate for South Vietnam resigns following the Watergate scandal, leaving less support for the war in office. -
American Airlift Evacuation
American troops send over 1,000 U.S. civilians and 7,000 Vietnamese refugees to America in preparation for the end of the war the following day. -
The End of the War
The last American soldiers leave Vietnam, and the Viet Cong take control of Vietnam.
