Timeline, March 8th

[David]

FIRST INDOCHINA WAR:
March 8, 1949 (9th day of the 2nd month, Year of the Ox [Ky Suu]): France recognizes an "independent" state of Vietnam. However, hidden clauses in the agreement ensure French control over foreign and military affairs.

SECOND INDOCHINA WAR:
March 8, 1962 (3rd day of the 2nd month, Year of the Tiger [Nham Dan]): ARVN troops are flown in US helicopters to besieged villages in Tay Ninh and Phuoc Thanh Provinces. In the two battles, the VC are forced to retreat after losing 110 killed.

March 8, 1965 (6th day of the 2nd month, Year of the Snake [At Ti]) (US Defense): Camp Kannack near the Mang Yang Pass is attacked.

March 8, 1965 (6th day of the 2nd month, Year of the Snake [At Ti]) (US Defense): Two battalions of the 9th Marine Expeditionary Brigade (MEB) arrive at Da Nang, one by air and the other landed by the Seventh Fleet. Their objective is to hold off the enemy while gaining time needed to build base camps and logistical facilities. The U.S. also will attempt to consolidate its ground operations more efficiently and for this purpose will organize the U.S. Army Vietnam (USARV). U.S. support in I Corps is to be primarily a Marine Corps responsibility; the U.S. Army is to operate mainly in the II and III Corps tactical zones which comprise the Central Highlands, adjacent coastal regions, and the area around Saigon; and ARVN troops alone will have responsibility for the crowded Delta region of IV Corps, out of a concern that residents there will object to the presence of foreign troops.

March 8, 1965/KBD> (6th day of the 2nd month, Year of the Snake [At Ti])(US Defense): Rolling Thunder update: The CIA's Deputy Director assesses the military situation in Vietnam during seven days in March.

March 8, 1968 (10th day of the 2nd month, Year of the Monkey [Mau Than]) (US Tet Counteroffensive): 3 RAR, less D Company, begins Operation Pinnaroo.

March 8, 1968 (10th day of the 2nd month, Year of the Monkey [Mau Than]) (US Tet Counteroffensive): Khe Sanh: ARVN patrols attack an enemy trench line east of the runway and kill 26 NVA.

March 8, 1969 (21st day of the 1st month, Year of the Rooster [Ky Dau]) (US Tet69/Counteroffensive): Operation Sheridan Sabre update.

March 8, 1970 (1st day of the 2nd month, Year of the Dog [Canh Tuat]) (US Winter-Spring 1970): 2/20 ARA supports a Cavalry unit that's in heavy contact with the enemy.