The Ending of theCold War By moneim143 Oct 4, 1957 Soviet Union launches Sputnik I Oct 1, 1958 NASA is formed Apr 12, 1961 Cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin becomes the first human to enter space and return safely. May 5, 1961 Alan Shepard becomes the first American man in space May 5, 1961--With the launch of Freedom 7, Alan Shepard becomes the first American man in space Dec 11, 1961 The first US helicopters arrive in Vietnam, carrying 400 soldiers. Jul 23, 1963 US Helicopters Ordered to Shoot First Aug 17, 1969 Battle at Que Son Valley Nov 15, 1969 Largest Anti-War Protest Dec 31, 1969 Pres. Nixon Begins Withdrawal