vietnam war.

Intro May 1, 1950 — After the capture of Hainan Island from Chinese Nationalist forces by the Chinese People's Liberation Army, President Truman approved $10 million in military assistance for anti-communist efforts in Indochina. The Defense Attaché Office was established in Saigon in May 1950, a formal recognition of Vietnam (vice French Indochina). This was the beginning of formal U.S. military personnel assignments in Vietnam. U.S. Naval, Army and Air Force personnel established their respective attaches at this time.[9] September 1950 — Truman sends the Military Assistance Advisory Group (MAAG) Indochina to Vietnam to assist the French. Truman claimed they were not sent as combat troops, but to supervise the use of $10 million worth of U.S. military equipment to support the French in their effort to fight the Viet Minh forces. Following the outbreak of the Korean War, Truman announces "acceleration in the furnishing of military assistance to the forces of France and the Associated States in Indochina...". and sends 123 non-combat troops to help with supplies to fight against the communist Viet Minh. 1951 — Truman authorizes $150 million in French support. 1953 — By November, French commander in Indochina, General Navarre, asked U.S. General McArthur to loan 12 Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar aircraft, to be flown by French crews, to facilitate Operation Castor at Dien Bien Phu. 1954 — In January, Navarre's deputy asked for additional transport aircraft. Negotiations ended on March 3 with 24 CIA pilots (CAT) to operate 12 U.S. Air Force C-119s, flying undercover using French insignia, but maintained by the USAF.[10] 1954 — General Paul Ely, the French Chief of Staff, proposed an American operation to rescue French forces at Dien Bien Phu. Operation Vulture was hastily planned but not approved due to lack of consensus.[11][12] May 6, 1954 — James B. McGovern Jr. and Wallace Buford, U.S. civilian contract pilots employed by Civil Air Transport and flying a C-119 in