By: HISTORY.com Editors

1957

American forces suffer first casualties in Vietnam

Published: November 16, 2009Last Updated: January 31, 2025

U.S. military personnel suffer their first casualties in the war when 13 Americans are wounded in three terrorist bombings of Military Assistance Advisory Group and U.S. Information Service installations in Saigon. The rising tide of guerrilla activity in South Vietnam reached an estimated 30 terrorist incidents by the end of the year and at least 75 local officials were assassinated or kidnapped in the last quarter of 1957.

Timeline

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1934

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1962

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1964

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1965

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1965

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1972

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2012

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Vietnam War

41 videos

Vietnam War

Behind the Image: Fall of Saigon Helicopter Evacuation

The dramatic rooftop photo was long mistakenly misidentified.

Vietnam War

Fall of Saigon: What Led to the Final, Chaotic Moments

The conflict in Vietnam ended in turmoil with the largest helicopter evacuation of its kind in history.

Vietnam War

Why the Battle for Hamburger Hill Was So Controversial

After 10 days of bruising battle, U.S. forces took the hill, only to abandon it days later. Sniper fire was so intense, one soldier called it 'a human meat grinder.'

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Citation Information

Article Title: American forces suffer first casualties in Vietnam
Author: HISTORY.com Editors
Website Name: History
URL: https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/october-22/american-forces-suffer-first-casualties-in-vietnam

Date Accessed: October 29, 2026
Publisher: A&E Television Networks
Last Updated: January 31, 2025
Original Published Date: November 16, 2009

American forces suffer first casualties in Vietnam

Related

Vietnam War

Behind the Image: Fall of Saigon Helicopter Evacuation

Fall of Saigon: What Led to the Final, Chaotic Moments

Why the Battle for Hamburger Hill Was So Controversial

About the author

Fact Check

Citation Information