North Vietnam Imposes Universal Military Conscription

Kennedy Elected President:  John F. Kennedy narrowly defeats Richard Nixon for the presidency by less than 110,000 votes.  Both men were considered “war hawks” when it came to combating communism in SE Asia.

Diem Survives Coup Attempt

Vietcong Formed:  Hanoi forms National Liberation Front for South Vietnam.  Diem government dubs them “Vietcong.”