WarData.net Indochina Wars Timeline

WarData.net ~~~ Indochina Wars Timeline

Indochina Wars Timeline Explanation

This is only a provisional version of a table containing various events and dates related to the Indochina Wars of 1945-1975. It includes events and battles of the French Indochina War and the American Vietnam War.

The dates are to the nearest day when possible. Those events dated to the nearest year are less certain, naturally, than those dated to the precise day.

Event

Date

Comments

Trade embargo imposed on North Vietnam in response to attacks from the North on South Vietnam	May 4, 1964	*****
General William Westmoreland succeeds General Paul Harkins as head of the U.S. forces (MACV) in Vietnam	June 20, 1964	*****
The Gulf of Tonkin Incident	August 2, 1964	North Vietnamese torpedo boats attacked the U.S. destroyer Maddox in the Gulf of Tonkin. A second attack allegedly occurs on August 4.
The "Second" Gulf of Tonkin Incident	August 4, 1964	North Vietnamese torpedo boat attack (alleged). North Vietnamese torpedo boats attacked the U.S. destroyer Maddox in the Gulf of Tonkin. A second attack allegedly occurs on August 4.
President Lyndon Johnson asks Congress for a resolution against North Vietnam	August 5, 1964	President Lyndon Johnson asks Congress for a resolution against North Vietnam following the Gulf of Tonkin incident - Congress debates.
Congress approves the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution	August 7, 1964	Congress approves the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution which allows the president to take any necessary measures to repel further attacks and to provide military assistance to any South Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO) member.
The first American combat troops arrive in Vietnam	March 8-9, 1965	*****
President Johnson authorizes the use of U.S. ground combat troops for offensive operations	April 6-8, 1965	*****
Siege of Khe Sanh begins	January 21, 1968
Tet Offensive	January 31, 1968
My Lai massacre	March 16, 1968	Unarmed Vietnamese civilians are killed by members of U.S. Army Lt. William L. Calley Jr.'s platoon.
President Lyndon Johnson names General William Westmoreland as Army Chief of Staff	March 22, 1968	He was replaced in Vietnam by General Creighton W. Abrams
Paris peace talks begin between U. S. and Vietnamese officials	May 10, 1968
Hamburger Hill	May 10-20, 1969
President Richard Nixon announces the first troop withdrawals from South Vietnam	June 8, 1969
Ho Chi Minh dies	September 3, 1969
250,000 people demonstrate against the war in Washington, D.C.	November 15, 1969
The first draft lottery since 1942 begins	December 1, 1969

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