Vietnam War

Dien Bien Phu

Mar 13, 1954

Dien Bien PhuVietnamese forces occupy the French command post at Dien Bien Phu and the French commander orders his troops to cease fire. The battle had lasted 55 days. Three thousand French troops were killed, 8,000 wounded. The Viet Minh suffered much worse, with 8,000 dead and 12,000 wounded, but the Vietnamese victory shattered France's resolve to carry on the war.

Gulf of Tonkin

Aug 2, 1964

A North Vietnamese torpedo attacks US ships at the Gulf of Tonkin, giving the US reason to enter the war.

Tet Offensive

Jan 31, 1968

Vietcong has attacked every major city at once, the US loses only 2,500 and wins the battles.

Paris Peace Accords

May 10, 1968

Began debating between Vietnamese on how to end the conflict.

Withdrawal of Troops

Nov 3, 1969

US begins taking troops home and out of Vietnam.

End of War

Jan 27, 1973

This is the official end of the Vietnam War.