Vietnam

By Eck99
  • 1945

    1945
    Following the surrender of Japan to Allied forces, Ho Chi Minh and his People's Congress create the National Liberation Committee of Vietnam to form a provisional government. Japan transfers all power to Ho's Vietminh.
  • 1946

    1946
    Lt. Col. A. Peter Dewey, head of American OSS mission, was killed by Vietminh troops while driving a jeep to the airport. Reports later indicated that his death was due to a case of mistaken identity -- he had been mistaken for a Frenchman.
  • 1947

    1947
    French General Etienne Valluy attempts, and fails, to wipe out the Vietminh in one stroke.
  • 1949

    1949
    Bao Dai and President Vincent Auriol of France sign the Elysee Agreement. As part of the agreement the French pledge to assist in the building of a national anti-Communist army.
  • 1950

    1950
    The United States sends $15 million dollars in military aid to the French for the war in Indochina. Included in the aid package is a military mission and military advisors.
  • 1953

    1953
    France Grants Laos Full Independence
  • 1954

    1954
    A force of 40,000 heavily armed Vietminh lay seige to the French garrison at Dienbienphu.
  • 1955

    1955
    China and Soviet Union Pledge Additional Financial Support to Hanoi
  • 1956

    1956
    The US Military Assistance Advisor Group (MAAG) assumes responsibility, from French, for training South Vietnamese forces
  • 1957

    1957
    Thirteen Americans working for MAAG and US Information Service are wounded in terrorist bombings in Saigon.