1975: The Fall of Saigon By bakerd22 Period: Apr 11, 1949 to Apr 11, 2009 Vietnam Apr 11, 1954 U.S. became involved gradually Apr 11, 1961 John F. Kennedy took office Apr 11, 1963 John F. Kennedy was assassinated Apr 11, 1964 Two Vietnam boats attacked American destroyer Apr 11, 1965 arrival of U.S. combat troops Apr 11, 1967 The war was heading to victory Jan 11, 1968 North Vietnam launched a series of attacks during Tet. Apr 30, 1975 People start evacuating Saigon