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Dien Bien Phu
Vietnam forces occupy Dien Bien Phu against the French. -
Creation of the Ho Chi Minh trail
A specialized North Vietnamese Army unit, Group 559, is formed to create a supply route from North Vietnam to Vietcong forces in South Vietnam -
United States becomes actively involved
American helicopters arrive at docks in South Vietnam along with 400 U.S. personnel, who will fly and maintain the aircraft. -
Operation Rangeland
The goal of Ranchhand is to clear vegetation alongside highways, making it more difficult for the Vietcong to conceal themselves for ambushes. -
Gulf of Tonkin Attack
South Vietnamese commandos attack two small North Vietnamese islands in the Gulf of Tonkin. -
Gulf of Tonkin Resolution
The U.S. congress passes the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, giving President Johnson the power to take whatever actions he sees necessary to defend southeast Asia. -
Rolling Thunder Begins
President Johnson authorizes Operation Rolling Thunder, a limited but long lasting bombing offensive. Its aim is to force North Vietnam to stop supporting Vietcong guerrillas in the South. -
US offers peace for economic aid proposal
The U.S. offers North Vietnam economic aid in exchange for peace, but the offer is summarily rejected. -
First major battle of Vietnam War for American Units
After a deserter from the 1st Vietcong regiment reveals that an attack is imminent against the U.S. Marine base at Chu Lai, the American army launches Operation Starlite -
President Johnson commits over 60000 troops to Vietnam
President Johnson commits over 60000 troops to Vietnam. -
American forces total 385000
American forces total 385000. -
Operation Junction City
In one of the largest air-mobile assaults ever, 240 helicopters sweep over Tay Ninh province, beginning Operation Junction City. The goal of Junction City is to destroy Vietcong bases and the Vietcong military headquarters for South Vietnam, all of which are located in War Zone C, north of Saigon. -
Khe Sanh attacked by Vietcong
Eighteen Marines are killed instantly, 40 are wounded. The initial attack continues for two days. -
Tet Offensive begins
On the Tet holiday, Vietcong units surge into action over the length and breadth of South Vietnam. -
My Lai massacre
In the hamlet of My Lai, U.S. Charlie Company kills about two hundred civilians. -
Rolling Thunder Ends
After three-and-a-half years, Operation Rolling Thunder comes to an end. In total, the campaign had cost more than 900 American aircraft -
Nixon takes office
Nixon takes office. -
Operation Menu
In spite of government restrictions, President Nixon authorizes Operation Menu, the bombing of North Vietnamese and Vietcong bases within Cambodia. -
Spraying of Agent Orange ends
Operation Ranchhand has sprayed 11 million gallons of Agent Orange -- containing 240 pounds of the lethal chemical Dioxin -- on South Vietnam. More than one seventh of the country's total area has been laid waste. -
All but 133000 US troops have come home
All but 133000 US troops have come home -
Peace talks break down
In Paris, peace talks between the North Vietnamese and the Americans breakdown. -
Peace talks resume
North Vietnam and the United States resume peace talks in Paris -
Cease fire signed
All warring parties in the Vietnam War sign a cease fire -
Nixon Resigns
President Richard M. Nixon resigns, leaving South Vietnam without its strongest advocate -
Last casualties for the US and final evacuation
Last casualties for the US and final evacuation