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Landing of Troops
American helicopters arrive at docks in South Vietnam, along with approximately 400 U.S. personnel. -
Operation Ranch Hand Begins
The goal of Operation Ranch Hand is to clear vegetation along highways because the Vietcong would hide themselves in the bushes. The forests were sprayed with Agent Orange which is an herbicide containing a deadly chemical called dioxin. -
Battle of Ap Bac
At the hamlet of Ap Bac the Vietcong 514th battalion and local guerrilla forces ambushed the South Vietnamese 7th division. For the first time in the war, the Vietcong stand their ground against American machinery and South Vietnamese soldiers. 400 South Vietnamese men are killed or wounded, and 3 American advisers are killed as well. -
Attack in Gulf of Tonkin
The South Vietnamese attack two small North Vietnamese islands in the Gulf of Tonkin. -
False Allogations Lead to Bombing
The captain of the U.S.S. Maddox claims that his ship is being fired on and an attack is imminent. Six hours after the initial report, a retaliation is ordered by President Johnson against North Vietnam. The Americans bomb two navel bases and a major oil facility. It is later learned that the captain of the U.S.S. Maddox that no attack ever took place. -
The Gulf of Tonkin Resolution
U.S. Congress passes the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution which gives President Johnson the power to do whatever necessary to defend South East Asia. -
Hotel Bomb
A Vietcong based bomb explodes in a hotel in Qui Nonh which results in the death of 23 Americans. -
Operation Rolling Thunder
President Johnson authorizes Operation Rolling Thunder. Which is a limited but long lasting bombing offensive. The goal is to force North Vietnam to stop supporting the Vietcong. The first Rolling Thunder took place on March 2, 1965. -
Slow Down of North Vietnam's Transport System
The Americans begin a campaign to slow down North Vietnam's transport system. Over the period of a month, navy and air force places hit bridges, road and rail junctions, truck parks, and supply depots. -
Unsuccessful Peace Treaty
The United States offers North Vietnam economic aid in exchange for peace. The offer is rejected and as a result, President Johnson raises the American combat strength in Vietnam to more than 60,000 troops. Forces from Korea and Australia are added as a sign of international support. -
Operation Starlight
Based on intel from a Vietcong deserter, the United States prepare for an attack on the U.S. marine base at Chu Lai. As a result, they launch Operation Starlight. In this, the first major battle of the Vietnam War, the U.S. scores a victory. They killed 700 Vietcong soldiers and only lost 45 U.S. soldiers. -
Operation Krimp
U.S. forces launch Operation Krimp deploying nearly 8000 troops. It is the largest American operation of the Vietnam War. The goal of the campaign is to capture the city of Saigon where Vietcong supposedly held their base. -
The Last Months of 1966
The Vietcong's 9th Division prepares for a new offensive. Losses in men and equipment have been replaced by supplies and reinforcements sent down by the Ho Chi Minh trail. By the end of 1966, the Americans have 385,000 men in Vietnam plus 65,000 sailors stationed off shore. More than 6,000 have been killed this year with 30,000 wounded. The Vietcong troops are now numbered at 280,000. -
Operation Junction City
In one of the largest air-mobile assaults ever, 240 helicopters sweep over Tay Ninh beginning Operation Junction City. The goal was to destroy Vietcong bases and the Vietcong military headquarter which were located in war zone C which is North of Saigong. After 72 days, Junction City ends and American forces succeed in capturing large quantities of equipment and weapons. -
The Tet Offensive
Vietcong attacks South Vietnam and bombs more than 100 cities and towns. By the end of the city battle, 37,000 Vietcong troops have been killed. Casualties include most of the Vietcong's best fighters, political officers, and secret organizers. The Americans lose 2500 men. -
Withdrawal of U.S. Troops
President Nixon meets with South Vietnamese President, Nguyen Van Thieu and announces that 25,000 U.S. troops will be withdrawn immediately.
