The World History Database contains 41 Vietnam/Indochina records dated 1961. After consolidating near-identical rows that describe the same dated event, this year hub presents 34 distinct chronology entries. Frequently represented events include Mobilization, Aid to Vietnam, Conference of Vienna, Farm Gate, Taylor-Rostow Report. Frequently represented people include John Fitzgerald Kennedy, Maxwell Taylor, McGeorge Bundy, Ngo Dinh Diem, Vang Pao.
Mobilization, Aid to Vietnam, Conference of Vienna, Farm Gate, Taylor-Rostow Report, Requests a defense pact with the United States, Hmong Program
John Fitzgerald Kennedy, Maxwell Taylor, McGeorge Bundy, Ngo Dinh Diem, Vang Pao, George Ball, Walt Rostow
Saigon, Washington, Long Tieng, Bien Hoa, Vienna, Hanoi
"the security of South East Asia will be endagered if Laos loses its independence"
Kennedy suggests reconnaissance spying flights using Laotian markings
Kennedy sends General Taylor & advisers to discuss troop support for Diem
Russia & the USA agree to enforce a truce within their areas of influence. Kennedy & Khrushchev meet to avoid direct confrontation between USA & Russia
Kennedy authorizes fighter bomber trainers to the Bien Hoa Air Base
Kennedy sends General Taylor & advisers to discuss troop support for Diem
B-26s & SC-47s are redesignated as "reconnaissance bombers"
Requests a defense pact with the United States after attacks by the Vietcong
Increases the number of US advisers sent to South Vietnam
US helicopters arrive at docks in South Vietnam along with 400 US personnel
Farm Gate aircraft are authorized to fly combat missions
300 US helicopter pilots in "Eagle Flight" units arrive in Vietnam
Leads a fact-finding mission to South Vietnam for President Kennedy
Co-authors recommendations for increased US support to South Vietnam
Increases the number of US military advisers in South Vietnam
Appointed military adviser to President Kennedy & later to President Johnson
Appointed Ambassador of South Vietnam
Appointed US Air Force Chief of Staff
If Vietnam falls it will be impossible to hold South East Asia
Appointed special military adviser to President Kennedy
Appointed General Counsel to the Pentagon
Begins building CIA-supported Hmong forces against Pathet Lao and North Vietnamese forces
Builds CIA-backed Hmong irregular forces in northern Laos
Works with Vang Pao to organize Hmong guerrilla forces
The Vietcong attack army posts in Phuoc Tahn & Darlac Provinces
Reccomends a "hard hitting operation" to support President Diem
Kennedy accepts Balls reccomendation to increase the Saigon Army by 20,000
US backing includes new equipment and more than 3,000 military advisers
Reccomends sending 8,000 troops to Vietnam
Requests a defense pact with the United States after attacks by the Vietcong. Rejects US offers to increase troops & military advisers
Appointed Secretary of the Airforce
Supports military planning for communist struggle in South Vietnam
Runs Kennedys task force for economic, political & military programs in Vietnam
Visits President Diem in Saigon & offers him America's support
This authority page consolidates World History Database records into a readable chronology. The database rows are research-index entries; important claims should be checked against primary documents and specialist histories.
This year page is generated from World History Database records for 1961. Near-identical rows sharing date and place context are consolidated for display while the original database remains unchanged. Last reviewed 2026-10-06.