-
Vietnam War begins
The war started when the French announced that it was going to retake Northern Vietnam -
The National Liberation Front (NLF) is formed
To suppress Diem’s government, North Vietnam supported and funded the National Liberation Front (NLF), also known as Viet Cong, with Ex-Viet Minh guerillas as its core members. -
Millitary Assistance Command Vietnam (MACV)
The Military Assistance Command, Vietnam (MACV) was first established to assist the MAAG controlling all advisory and assistant efforts in South Vietnam. -
The Gulf of Tonkin Incident
North Vietnamese boats allegedly attacked two U.S. destroyers (USS Maddox) sitting in the waters of Gulf of Tonkin. -
Gulf of Tonkin Resolution
The U.S. Congress passes the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution in response to the Gulf of Tonkin Incident, authorizing the President to take all necessary actions against North Vietnam. -
Paris Peace talks begin
U.S, South Vietnamese and NLF representatives were in Paris for peace talks. -
Vietnamization Strategy
As U.S. troops in Vietnam reached its peak at 542,000 in January 1969, President Richard Nixon announced his plan to “Vietnamize” the war and withdraw American ground combat troops. -
Kent State & Jackson State Killings
During massive anti-war demonstrations at Kent State University, 4 students were shot and killed, nine were wounded and one was paralysed for life. These killings sparked anger and sentiment worldwide against America’s aggression in Cambodia and their involvement in Vietnam. 10 days later, another 2 students were killed during the protests in Jackson State College in Mississippi. -
The Easter Offensive
People’s Army of Vietnam (PAVN) conducted massive assaults in all 3 fronts simultaneously. First of all, PAVN forces stormed across the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) into Quang Tri before attempting to capture Hue. Its purpose was to shatter and draw more ARVN forces to the North. With the first mission accomplished, two secondary attacks would be launched against the Central Highlands (battle of Kontum) and Northeast of Saigon (battle of An Loc from Cambodia). -
American involvement in Vietnam ended
The last U.S. combat troops left Vietnam ending its direct involvement in the war, although some military advisors and Marines still remained. In total, nearly 60,000 men were dead, around 150,000 wounded and at least 1,000 missing in action among over 3 million Americans served in the war. -
Saigon and South Vietnam fall
Last two U.S men to die were killed at Tan Son Nhut airport in their evacuation mission. South Vietnam fell as the acting President Duong Van Minh delivered an unconditional surrender to the North Communists in the early hours of April 30. The Vietnam war eventually ended.
