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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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U.S. military advisers in South Vietnam rise from 900 to 15,000.
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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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South Vietnam National Assembly approves election of Nguyen Van Thieu as president (Oct. 21).
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U.S. troops invade Cambodia in order to destroy North Vietnamese sanctuaries (May 1).
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Election of National Assembly paves way for reunification of North and South.
