The Tet Offensive By patrick.el-bayeh Period: Jan 1, 1959 to Dec 31, 1975 . Jul 8, 1959 The first American army soldiers die in vietnam Sep 26, 1959 Vietnam war starts Nov 1, 1963 South Vietnamese president Diem is assassinated Nov 3, 1964 Johnsons landslide Nov 3, 1964 Johnsons landslide Mar 8, 1965 First U.S. combat troops reach south Vietnam Jan 31, 1968 Tet offensive May 20, 1969 The paris peace talks begin Jul 8, 1969 President Nixon announces the first troop withdrawals from south Vietnam. Apr 1, 1973 Hanoi releases last 591 acknowledged American POW's Apr 30, 1975 Vietnam war ends