Timeline, August 8th

[David]

HISTORICAL:
August 1883: At the convention negotiated by Francois Harmand between France and the Vietnamese Empire, a Treaty of Protectorate establishes a French protectorate over Annam and Tonkin (Central and North Vietnam), granting France extensive rights to represent Vietnam in foreign affairs and to oversee the internal policy in the Vietnamese Empire. The emperor remains the legitimate ruler but with sharply reduced power.

SECOND INDOCHINA WAR:
August 1964 (Year of the Dragon [Giap Thin]) (US Advisory): Shortly after the Gulf of Tonkin incident, Hanoi receives 36 MiG-13 and MiG-17 fighters. Both models are outdated, but the MiG-17 will become the preferred aircraft of Col. Tomb and other North Vietnamese aces because of its agility and powerful guns. The jets are stationed at Phuc Yen Airbase but won't be used to interdict any allied air strikes on North Vietnam during 1964. At this time, North Vietnam's air force consists of 500 men.

August 8, 1966 (Year of the Horse [Binh Ngo]) (US Counteroffensive Phase II): Operation Prairie update.

August 8, 1966 (Year of the Horse [Binh Ngo]) (US Counteroffensive Phase II) (US Counteroffensive Phase II): Operation Colorado update: The Marine infantry inserted on the 6th near Hiep Duc was extracted to Tam Key having met only light enemy resistance.

August 8, 1968 (Year of the Monkey [Mau Than]) (US Counteroffensive Phase VI): Operation An Truyen begins in Thua Thien Province.

August 1968 (Year of the Monkey [Mau Than]) (US Counteroffensive Phase VI): Rolling Thunder update: Naval Task Force 77 concentrates the major part of its air and surface strength against the Communists' southern traffic control area around Ha Tinh. Unceasing day and night air strikes, armed route reconnaissance, and shore bombardment cause the North Vietnamese truck traffic to back up so that it becomes prey to further attack. During August, American naval forces destroy or damage over 600 trucks, the highest total of the campaign, forcing the enemy to rely more heavily on coastal and inland waterway transport. Monsoons and the resulting muddy conditions on land also play a part in this shift.