March 8 in American History

March 8, 1965 — the first U.S. combat troops land in Vietnam

U.S. Marines waded ashore at Da Nang, the first American combat units committed to the Vietnam War. What began as a limited deployment grew into a decade-long conflict that took over 58,000 American lives and divided the country as deeply as anything since the Civil War. A fateful step, taken quietly.

Common Questions

What happened on March 8 in American history?

In 1965: the first U.S. combat troops land in Vietnam. U.S.

Why is March 8 significant?

U.S. Marines waded ashore at Da Nang, the first American combat units committed to the Vietnam War. What began as a limited deployment grew into a decade-long conflict that took over 58,000 American lives and divided the country as deeply as anything since the Civil War. A fateful step, taken quietly.

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