-
-
Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev pledges support for "wars of national liberation" throughout the world. His statement greatly encourages Communists in North Vietnam to escalate their armed struggle to unify Vietnam under Ho Chi Minh.
-
Diem was re-elected President of South Vietnam with nearly 80 percent of the votes. The Viet Cong attempted to disrupt the election in rural areas.
-
President Kennedy orders 400 "special forces" troops and 100 other U.S military forces to S. Vietnam. Also orders the start of clandestine warfare against N. vietnam to be conducted by south vietnamese troops.
-
On the sixth anniversary of the Republic of South Vietnam, President Kennedy sends a letter to President Diem and pledges "the United States is determined to help Vietnam preserve its independence..."
-
U.S. aircraft carrier "Core" arrives in Saigon with 33 helicopters and 400 air and ground crewmen assigned to operate them for S. Vietnam
-
SP4 James Davis of Livingston, Tennessee killed by Viet Congressman later called by President Johnson "The first American to fall in defense of our freedom in Vietnam"
