Audio by NMUSAF PA | National Museum of the U.S. Air Force | 12.31.1969
The confused situation caused by the civil war in Laos permitted North Vietnam to use southern Laos - known as the “Panhandle” - to move troops and supplies to South Vietnam. In 1959, the communists began traveling along the same network of paths through the Panhandle’s mountains and jungles used against the Japanese in World War II and the French afterward. In 1961, the communists......
Audio by NMUSAF PA | National Museum of the U.S. Air Force | 12.31.1969
In response to a Laotian request for assistance, the U.S. initiated covert operations to keep “neutral” Laos from falling to the communist offensive across the Plain of Jars. The U.S. ambassador in Laos assumed control of all U.S. operations in northern Laos, including the CIA-operated Air America fleet, and approved all targets struck by U.S. forces. Barrel Roll was the code name for this......
Audio by NMUSAF PA | National Museum of the U.S. Air Force | 12.31.1969
In 1954, the Geneva Peace Accords established Laos as an independent state led by the Royal Lao government. Shortly thereafter, opposing groups, including the North Vietnamese-supported communist Pathet Lao, started a civil war. The U.S. sent a small number of advisors to assist the Royal Lao government. A 1962 peace treaty signed by the U.S., Soviet Union, North Vietnam and other nations,......
Audio by NMUSAF PA | National Museum of the U.S. Air Force | 12.31.1969
During the last half of 1965, the Viet Cong launched several large-scale attacks against South Vietnamese and U.S. positions. In each instance, U.S. airpower made a significant contribution against the enemy efforts. Still, the elusive Viet Cong moved at night and attacked lines of communication at will. By 1966, U.S. strength had grown to 385,000 personnel, reinforced by troops from South......
Audio by NMUSAF PA | National Museum of the U.S. Air Force | 12.31.1969
Initially, the South Vietnamese fought against southern communist Vietnamese insurgents called the National Liberation Front. These guerrillas became more commonly known as Viet Cong or “VC.” Later, North Vietnam sent regular North Vietnamese army troops to aid the VC. In late 1961, the U.S. sent personnel to train the South Vietnamese military to defend itself. Although U.S. troops were......
Audio by NMUSAF PA | National Museum of the U.S. Air Force | 12.31.1969
For many years in the early 20th century, the people of Southeast Asia struggled for independence from France. The U.S. gave France military assistance in fighting insurgents. After the French defeat in 1954, Indochina was divided into North Vietnam, South Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. A demilitarized zone formed the border between North and South Vietnam. North Vietnam, under Ho Chi Minh,......
Audio by NMUSAF PA | National Museum of the U.S. Air Force | 12.31.1969
Peace negotiations began on July 10, 1951, in Kaesong, a city near the 38th parallel and now part of North Korea. For two years, negotiations stalled over the prisoner of war issue. Talks were deadlocked and troops faced a stalemate on the ground, but air power still gave the UN effective leverage. Air attacks made continuing the war too costly for the communists, and they signed an armistice......
Audio by NMUSAF PA | National Museum of the U.S. Air Force | 12.31.1969
The majority of the 235 airmen captured during the Korean War were held in solitary confinement for a large part of their captivity. Prisoners suffered from bitter cold and inadequate food, clothing and medical care. Airmen, especially pilots, were considered potential sources of intelligence and were subjected to frequent psychological and physical torture. Debate over how to return prisoners......
