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Lyndon B. Johnson becomes US president after the assassination of John F. Kennedy, and announces that the US will continue support of South Vietnam. By year's end 15,000 US advisors are serving in Vietnam, which received $500m in US aid that year.
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Warrant Officer Class 2, Kevin Conway becomes the first Australian to die as a result of enemy action in South Vietnam.
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The Prime Minister (Rt. Hon. Sir Robert Menzies) announces introduction of national service to increase the army’s strength from 22,750 to 37,500. Opposition to the war in Vietnam is not accepted as a reason for exemption.
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HMAS Sydney arrives at Vung Tau, South Vietnam, carrying the bulk of the Australian force.
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WO2 Kevin "Dasher" Wheatley refuses to leave his mate, WO2 Bob Swanston, and is killed. His actions earned him Australia’s highest honour, the Victoria Cross.
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Harold Holt succeeds Robert Menzies as Prime Minister of Australia.
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Holt announces the Australian commitment in South Vietnam will be Increased to a 4350-man task force, and will include conscripts.
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The Prime Minister announces an increase of 1700 to Australia’s commitment in South Vietnam, including a third infantry battalion and a tank squadron.
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Prime Minister Harold Holt missing, presumed drowned off Portsea in Victoria. His body is never recovered.
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John Grey Gorton sworn in as Prime Minister.
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Prime Minister Gorton indicates that Australia will not increase its commitment to Vietnam.
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Ho Chi Minh dies in Hanoi, aged 79.
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Around 120,000 Anti-Vietnam war protesters throughout Australia stage the first protest march .
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Sir William McMahon replaces Gorton as Liberal leader and Prime Minister.
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Withdrawing the Australian Embassy in Saigon, Australia completely withdraws from Vietnam on ANZAC day.
