The Vietnam War began following World War II as the Viet Minh, a movement imbued with nationalism and communist philosophy led by Ho Chi Minh, sought to gain the country’s independence from French colonial rule. French involvement in the Vietnam War ended in 1954 following the disastrous defeat at Dien Bien Phu. However, the United States became increasingly embroiled in the effort to prop up the pro-Western government of South Vietnam in its continuing fight with the communist North and its insurgency, the Viet Cong. U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War escalated steadily during the 1960s, but eventually American military personnel were withdrawn in 1973. In April 1975, communist forces occupied the South Vietnamese capital of Saigon, unifying the country and ending the Vietnam War.
Vietnam War
In the midst of the Vietnam War, one of the most famous ships of the era was an electronic and signal intelligence ship posted off the east coast of North Korea. Read more
Vietnam War
No static occupations, no traditional front lines, and growing opposition from both the local population and citizens back home—for America, Vietnam was a very different kind of war. Read more
Vietnam War
Inspired by the principles of camouflage in nature, creativity in the military art of disguise was spurred in World War I by threats of aerial reconnaissance and long-range enemy fire. Read more
Vietnam War
To its credit, the United States has been going to extraordinary lengths to reclaim its soldiers missing in action or killed. Read more
