Important Figures and Events of the Vietnam War
Vietnam War dates: Nov. 1, 1955, to April 30, 1975.
Ho Chi Minh: The Communist leader of North Vietnam.
Ngo Dinh Diem: The U.S.-backed leader of South Vietnam.
Ho Chi Minh Trail: North Vietnam supply routes that supplied supporters and guerrillas in South Vietnam.
Operation Ranch Hand (1962-1971): U.S. aircraft spray Agent Orange across South Vietnam in attempts to remove any food or cover for North Vietnamese guerrillas.