When did US combat troops leave Vietnam?

US Combat Troops Depart Vietnam: A Turning Point in History

The Vietnam War, a prolonged and devastating conflict that spanned over two decades, reached a turning point on March 29, 1973. On that day, the final US combat soldiers departed Vietnam, marking the conclusion of their direct involvement in the war.

The withdrawal of US combat troops represented a significant milestone in American history. It signaled the end of a chapter in US foreign policy that had been characterized by extensive military intervention in Southeast Asia. The departure also marked a shift in the balance of power in the region.

The decision to withdraw US troops had been a complex one. By the early 1970s, public support for the war had dwindled significantly. The mounting casualties and the perceived lack of progress in achieving victory had eroded the American public’s willingness to continue the conflict.

In response to growing pressure, the US government began to reduce its troop presence in Vietnam. By the end of 1972, the number of US troops had been reduced to around 30,000. In January 1973, the United States and North Vietnam signed a peace agreement that set a deadline for the withdrawal of all US combat forces.

The departure of US combat troops was a gradual process. The last US military flights left Vietnam on March 29, 1973. However, a small number of US advisors and support personnel remained in the country to assist the South Vietnamese government.

The withdrawal of US combat troops did not end the Vietnam War. The conflict continued for another two years before the collapse of the South Vietnamese government in April 1975. However, the departure of US troops marked a major turning point in the war and paved the way for the eventual reunification of Vietnam under communist rule.