Vietnam War

On August 5, 1964, the US launched Operation Pierce Arrow in response to the Gulf of Tonkin Incident. The operation marked the start of US air operations over North Vietnam.

The forerunner of the US Army Reserve was established on April 23, 1908. It was the nation’s first federal reserve – providing fully-trained and prepared troops in times of need. Today, there are over 815,000 reservists across all the military branches.

Gospel singer Clara Mae Ward was born on April 21, 1924, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was a talented singer who helped push gospel out of churches into nightclubs, which earned her both praise and criticism.

American diplomat Philip Charles Habib was born on February 25, 1920, in Brooklyn, New York.  He was a respected peace negotiator and special envoy for 30 years and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his life’s work.

On October 18, 1997, the Women in Military Service for America Memorial (WIMSA) was officially dedicated in Arlington County, Virginia.

On July 18, 1979, the first National POW/MIA Recognition Day was observed.

The youngest man ever elected President, John Fitzgerald Kennedy was born in Brookline, Massachusetts, on May 29, 1917. 

On May 7, 1847, the American Medical Association (AMA) was founded, thanks in large part to Nathan Smith Davis.

On January 30, 1968, the North Vietnamese Army launched a surprise attack on South Vietnam during the Tet (New Year) holiday truce.