Category Archives: Cold War

U.S. begins withdrawing Americans from Saigon by helicopter 40 years ago this hour (Apr 29 1975)


Video: 'Vietnam a Television History Episode 11' (Apr. 29, 1975, at 42:54)

(Tuesday, April 29, 1975, 2:00 p.m. ICT; during the 1975 Spring Offensive of the Vietnam War, part of the Indochina Wars and Cold War) — U.S. President Gerald Ford ordered the emergency evacuation today of all Americans remaining in South Vietnam. Continue reading U.S. begins withdrawing Americans from Saigon by helicopter 40 years ago this hour (Apr 29 1975)

Saigon’s airport under rocket fire 40 years ago today (Apr 29 1975)


Video: 'Vietnam a Television History Episode 11' (Apr. 29, 1975, at 41:50)

(Tuesday, April 29, 1975; during the 1975 Spring Offensive of the Vietnam War, part of the Indochina Wars and Cold War) — Saigon’s Tan Son Nhut airport came under the heaviest rocket attack of the war early this morning, preventing passenger planes from taking off, as North Vietnamese troops assaulted parts of the city’s suburbs. But U.S. ambassador, Graham Martin was still reluctant to begin a full-scale helicopter evacuation. Continue reading Saigon’s airport under rocket fire 40 years ago today (Apr 29 1975)

Battle of Saigon begins 60 years ago today (Apr 28 1955)


Video: 'Vietnam a Television History Episode 2' (Apr. 28, 1955, at 12:20)

(Thursday, April 28, 1955; during the Cold War) — The Battle of Saigon, a month-long battle between the Vietnamese National Army of the State of Vietnam (later to become the Army of the Republic of Vietnam) and the private army of the Bình Xuyên organised crime syndicate, began today. Continue reading Battle of Saigon begins 60 years ago today (Apr 28 1955)

Minh replaces Huong as South Vietnamese president 40 years ago this hour (Apr 28 1975)


Video: 'Vietnam a Television History Episode 11' (Apr. 28, 1975, at 41:20)

(Monday, April 28, 1975, 5:00 p.m. ICT; during the 1975 Spring Offensive of the Vietnam War, part of the Indochina Wars and Cold War) — As overwhelming Communist forces moved to within barely one mile of Saigon’s city limits this morning, South Vietnamese leaders acted at almost the last minute to install Gen. Duong Van Minh (replacing 71-year old Tran Van Huong, who took office a week ago today) as President to end the war on Communist terms. Continue reading Minh replaces Huong as South Vietnamese president 40 years ago this hour (Apr 28 1975)

North Vietnamese commandos at the gates of Saigon 40 years ago this morning (Apr 28 1975)


Video: 'Vietnam a Television History Episode 11' (Apr. 28, 1975, at 40:59)

(Monday, April 28, 1975, daybreak; during the 1975 Spring Offensive of the Vietnam War, part of the Indochina Wars and Cold War) — At daybreak today, South Vietnamese troops faced North Vietnamese commandos at the Newport Bridge. They were at the gates of Saigon. Continue reading North Vietnamese commandos at the gates of Saigon 40 years ago this morning (Apr 28 1975)

Eisenhower: U. S. policy in Vietnam still in balance 60 years ago this hour (Apr 27 1955)


Video: 'Vietnam a Television History Episode 2' (Apr. 27, 1955, at 13:07)

(Wednesday, April 27, 1955, 10:31-11:06 a.m. EDT; during the Cold War) — United States policy in South Vietnam’s political crisis is still in the balance, U.S. President Dwight Eisenhower indicated today.

He said he could not give “any final answer” to questions about South Vietnam, saying the subject was “still under discussion” with Gen. J. Lawton Collins, U.S. special representative to Saigon.

North Vietnamese rockets hit Saigon for first time since 1973 ceasefire 40 years ago this hour (Apr 27 1975)


Video: 'Vietnam The Ten Thousand Day War 12of13 Surrender (Apr. 27, 1975, at 30:00)

(Sunday, April 27, 1975, 4:00 a.m. ICT; during the 1975 Spring Offensive of the Vietnam War, part of the Indochina Wars and Cold War) — Five rockets dropped into a densely populated Saigon slum today, leaving 5,000 homeless. Now, fears of a blood bath increase.

President Ford: Vietnam War is over for America 40 years ago this hour (Apr 23 1975)


Video: 'President Gerald Ford - Remarks at Tulane University'

(Wednesday, April 23, 1975, 8:07 p.m. CST; during the 1975 Spring Offensive of the Vietnam War, part of the Indochina Wars and Cold War) — Speaking to an audience of students at Tulane University in New Orleans, U.S. President Gerald Ford announced that “Today, America can regain the sense of pride that existed before Vietnam. But it cannot be achieved by re-fighting a war that is finished as far as America is concerned.” Continue reading President Ford: Vietnam War is over for America 40 years ago this hour (Apr 23 1975)

100,000 North Vietnamese troops advance on Saigon 40 years ago today (Apr 23 1975)


Video: 'Vietnam a Television History Episode 11' (Apr. 23, 1975, at 23:30)

(Wednesday, April 23, 1975; during the 1975 Spring Offensive of the Vietnam War, part of the Indochina Wars and Cold War) — 100,000 North Vietnamese communist forces, less than 30 miles from Saigon, begin an advance from five directions with orders to penetrate and occupy the South Vietnamese capitol within a week.

South Vietnamese President Thieu resigns as Communist forces close in on Saigon 40 years ago today (Apr 21 1975)


Video: 'Vietnam a Television History Episode 11' (Apr. 21, 1975, at 40:32)

(Monday, April 21, 1975; during the 1975 Spring Offensive of the Vietnam War, part of the Indochina Wars and Cold War) — With Communist forces closing in, South Vietnam’s President Nguyen Van Thieu denouncing the United States as untrustworthy, resigned tonight after 10 years in office. Continue reading South Vietnamese President Thieu resigns as Communist forces close in on Saigon 40 years ago today (Apr 21 1975)