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President Truman sends 35-man military advisory group to aid French fighting to maintain colonial power in Vietnam.
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North Vietnamese torpedo boats reportedly attack U.S. destroyers in Gulf of Tonkin (Aug. 2). President Johnson orders retaliatory air strikes. Congress approves Gulf of Tonkin resolution
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U.S. planes begin combat missions over South Vietnam. In June, 23,000 American advisers committed to combat. By end of year over 184,000 U.S. troops in area.
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In My Lai massacre, American soldiers kill 300 Vietnamese villagers (March 16).
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President Nixon announces Vietnam peace offer (May 14)
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Election of National Assembly paves way for reunification of North and South.