Category Archives: Cold War

Khmer Rouge attacks force thousands into Phnom Penh 40 years ago this hour (Jan 1 1975)


Video: 'Vietnam: A Television History - Cambodia and Laos [8/11]' (Jan. 1, 1975, at 42:32)

(Wednesday, January 1, 1975, 1:20 a.m. local time; during the Cambodian Civil War, part of the Vietnam War, Indochina Wars and the Cold War) — Communist-led insurgents known as the Khmer Rouge launched a series of attacks on the outskirts of Phnom Penh today and thousands of refugees, hundreds of them injured, streamed into the capital.

Saigon battalions retake Binh Gia in long fight 50 years ago today (Dec 30 1964)


Video: 'Vietnam: A Television History - America's Enemy [5/11]' (Dec. 30, 1964, at 19:35)

(Wednesday, December 30, 1964; during the Battle of Binh Gia of the Vietnam War, part of the Indochina Wars and the Cold War) — Saigon troops recaptured the village of Binh Gia today after U.S. helicopters flew in reinforcements. The battle continued through Jan. 1, 1975.

Viet Cong capture South Vietnamese village of Binh Gia 50 years ago today (Dec 28 1964)


Video: 'Vietnam: A Television History - America's Enemy [5/11]' (Dec. 28, 1964, at 19:06)

(Monday, December 28, 1964, early hours; during the Battle of Binh Gia of the Vietnam War, part of the Indochina Wars and the Cold War) — Some 1,500 Vietcong, armed with machine guns and recoil-less rifles, today captured the village of Binh Gia, 40 miles southeast of Saigon. Continue reading Viet Cong capture South Vietnamese village of Binh Gia 50 years ago today (Dec 28 1964)

Viet Cong operatives bomb Saigon quarters of U.S. officers 50 years ago this hour (Dec 24 1964)


Video: 'Vietnam: A Television History - LBJ Goes to War [3/11]' (Dec. 24, 1964, at 21:15)

(Thursday, December 24, 1964, Christmas Eve, 5:45 p.m. local time; during the Vietnam War, part of the Indochina Wars and the Cold War) — Two Viet Cong operatives detonated a car bomb tonight underneath the Brink Hotel in Saigon, which housed United States Army officers. The explosion killed two Americans, an officer and an NCO, and injured approximately 60, including military personnel and Vietnamese civilians.

Argentine revolutionary Che Guevara addresses United Nations 50 years ago today (Dec 11 1964)


Video: 'Che Guevara speech at UN 1964 (English subtitles!!)'

(Friday, December 11, 1964; during the Cold War) — Argentine revolutionary Che Guevara addressed the United Nations today, declaring that “the final hour of colonialism has struck.” Continue reading Argentine revolutionary Che Guevara addresses United Nations 50 years ago today (Dec 11 1964)

New Saigon riots by Buddhists bring crackdown in South Vietnam 50 years ago today (Nov 25 1964)


Video: 'Vietnam: A Television History - LBJ Goes to War [3/11]' (November 1964 at 28:25)

(Wednesday, November 25, 1964; during the Vietnam War, part of the Indochina Wars and the Cold War) — Measures based on martial law were imposed on Saigon, South Vietnam, tonight after rioting that spread across the capital.

Ford, Brezhnev reach accord on arms control at Vladivostok 40 years ago today (Nov 24 1974)


Video: 'Meeting in Vladivostok (1974)' (Nov. 23-24, 1974)

(Sunday, November 24, 1974) — American President Gerald Ford and Soviet General Secretary Leonid Brezhnev agreed today to terms that would limit both nations an “equal aggregate number” of various weapons on the second and final day of the Vladivostok Summit Meeting on Arms Control.

Ford, Brezhnev begin two-day summit in Vladivostok, Russia 40 years ago today (Nov 23 1974)


Video: 'Meeting in Vladivostok (1974)' (Nov. 23-24, 1974)

(Saturday, November 23, 1974) — The Vladivostok Summit Meeting on Arms Control, a two-day summit between American President Gerald Ford and Soviet General Secretary Leonid Brezhnev for the purpose of extending arms control provisions between the Soviet Union and the United States, began this afternoon in Vladivostok, Russia. Continue reading Ford, Brezhnev begin two-day summit in Vladivostok, Russia 40 years ago today (Nov 23 1974)

General Lawton Collins arrives in Saigon as special U.S. rep 60 years ago today (Nov 8 1954)


Video: 'Vietnam a Television History Episode 2' (Nov. 8, 1954, at 9:30)

(Monday, November 8, 1954; during the Cold War) — Gen. J. Lawton Collins, special envoy of President Dwight Eisenhower, arrived today in Saigon, South Vietnam, from Tokyo to “coordinate” United States aid to Indochina.

Viet Cong attack major U.S. base, killing 4 Americans 50 years ago this hour (Nov 1 1964)


Video: 'Vietnam: A Television History - LBJ Goes to War [3/11]' (Nov. 1, 1964, at 20:12)

(Sunday, November 1, 1964, 12:26 a.m. local time; during the Vietnam War, part of the Indochina Wars and the Cold War) — Mortar fire from North Vietnamese forces rained early today on the Bien Hoa Air Base near Saigon, killing four U.S. servicemen, wounding 72, and destroying five B-57 jet bombers and other planes.