1968 Wars & Armed Conflicts Events — Verified Historical Highlights
1968 Wars & Armed Conflicts Events — Verified Historical Highlights | TakeMeBack.to
- 05 Jan Dr. Benjamin Spock indicted for draft law conspiracy: Dr. Benjamin Spock, a prominent pediatrician and anti-war activist, was indicted on charges related to conspiracy to encourage draft evasion during the Vietnam War. His indictment was part of a broader crackdown on anti-war activists in the United States. source: nytimes.com
- 13 Jan Tet Offensive begins in Vietnam War: The Tet Offensive commenced on January 13, 1968, marking a significant escalation in the Vietnam War. This coordinated series of attacks by North Vietnamese and Viet Cong forces aimed to surprise and overwhelm South Vietnamese and U.S. forces during the Tet holiday. source: archives.gov
- 15 Jan Jeannette Rankin Anti-War March: On January 15, 1968, Jeannette Rankin, the first woman elected to the U.S. Congress, led an anti-war march in San Francisco. The event was part of a larger movement against the Vietnam War, highlighting the growing public dissent during that era. source: history.com
- 17 Jan Battle of Khe Sanh Begins: The Battle of Khe Sanh, a significant engagement during the Vietnam War, began on this date. U.S. Marines and North Vietnamese forces clashed near the Khe Sanh Combat Base in Quảng Trị Province, South Vietnam. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 21 Jan Battle of Khe Sanh begins: The Battle of Khe Sanh commenced on January 21, 1968, during the Vietnam War. U.S. Marines and Army units defended the Khe Sanh Combat Base against North Vietnamese forces in one of the longest and most intense battles of the war. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 30 Jan Tet Offensive begins in Vietnam War: The Tet Offensive, a major turning point in the Vietnam War, commenced on January 30, 1968. This coordinated series of attacks by North Vietnamese forces marked a significant escalation in the conflict. source: archives.gov
- 31 Jan Tet Offensive begins: On January 31, 1968, during the Vietnamese lunar New Year (Tết) holiday, North Vietnamese and Viet Cong forces launched coordinated attacks across South Vietnam, including major cities like Saigon and Huế. This surprise offensive aimed to break the stalemate in the Vietnam War and had a significant psychological impact on the American public. source: britannica.com
- 05 Feb Battle of Khe Sanh Begins: On January 21, 1968, the Battle of Khe Sanh commenced when North Vietnamese forces initiated a massive artillery bombardment on the U.S. Marine garrison at Khe Sanh, located near the border with Laos. The siege lasted for 77 days, with U.S. Marines and their South Vietnamese allies defending the base against intense attacks. The battle concluded on April 8, 1968, with the relief of the base by U.S. and South Vietnamese forces. source: history.com
- 06 Feb Battle of Lang Vei during Vietnam War: The Battle of Lang Vei began on the evening of February 6, 1968, in Quảng Trị Province, South Vietnam. The People's Army of Vietnam (PAVN) launched an assault on the U.S. Special Forces Camp at Lang Vei, manned by Detachment A-101 of the 5th Special Forces Group and indigenous Civilian Irregular Defense Group (CIDG) forces. Despite artillery and air support, the U.S.-led forces conceded ground, and by the early hours of February 7, the command bunker was the only position still held by Allied forces. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 12 Feb Phong Nhi and Phong Nhat massacre: On February 12, 1968, during the Vietnam War, the Phong Nhi and Phong Nhat massacre occurred, where South Vietnamese soldiers killed a significant number of unarmed civilians. This tragic event highlighted the brutal realities of the conflict. source: britannica.com
- 13 Feb US military deployment to Vietnam escalates: On February 13, 1968, the United States increased its military presence in Vietnam, marking a significant escalation in the Vietnam War. This deployment was part of a broader strategy to combat the North Vietnamese forces and the Viet Cong, amid growing anti-war sentiment in the U.S. source: archives.gov
- 24 Feb Hue recaptured during Tet Offensive: On February 24, 1968, U.S. and South Vietnamese forces recaptured the city of Hue from North Vietnamese troops during the Tet Offensive. This battle was one of the most significant and intense confrontations of the Vietnam War. source: archives.gov
- 25 Feb Ha My Massacre during Vietnam War: On February 25, 1968, South Korean Marines reportedly killed 135 unarmed civilians in Hà My village, Quảng Nam Province, South Vietnam. The attack was allegedly in retaliation for Vietcong mortar fire that had killed several South Korean soldiers. Survivors recounted that soldiers threw grenades into underground shelters, resulting in numerous fatalities, including infants. The bodies were later buried en masse, and napalm was used to destroy evidence. source: bbc.com
- 10 Mar Battle of Lima Site 85 in Laos: On March 10, 1968, North Vietnamese and Pathet Lao forces initiated an artillery barrage on the U.S. radar facility at Lima Site 85 atop Phou Pha Thi mountain in Laos, leading to the largest single ground combat loss of USAF personnel during the Vietnam War. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 15 Mar My Lai Massacre during Vietnam War: On March 15, 1968, reports emerged about the My Lai Massacre, a tragic incident during the Vietnam War where U.S. soldiers killed hundreds of unarmed South Vietnamese civilians, including women and children. The massacre, which occurred in March 1968, was initially covered up but later became a significant point of controversy and criticism of U.S. military operations in Vietnam. source: brainyhistory.com
- 16 Mar My Lai Massacre: On March 16, 1968, the My Lai Massacre occurred during the Vietnam War, where U.S. soldiers killed between 347 and 504 unarmed South Vietnamese civilians, including women and children. The incident, initially covered up, was later exposed, leading to widespread outrage and a reevaluation of U.S. military conduct in Vietnam. source: brainyhistory.com
- 19 Mar Lima Site 85 overrun by North Vietnamese and Laotian troops: On March 19, 1968, Lima Site 85, a U.S. Air Force radar installation in Laos, was overrun by North Vietnamese and Laotian troops. This event highlighted the escalating conflict in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War. source: history.com
- 21 Mar Battle of Karameh: On March 21, 1968, Israeli forces launched an attack on the town of Karameh in Jordan, targeting the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) camps. The battle lasted 15 hours, resulting in casualties on both sides. The Jordanian army and PLO forces repelled the Israeli attack, leading to a perception of victory in the Arab world. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 25 Mar US Nuclear Test at Nevada Test Site: On March 25, 1968, the United States conducted a nuclear test at the Nevada Test Site, part of a series of tests during the Cold War. This test was part of the U.S. government's efforts to develop and maintain its nuclear arsenal amid ongoing tensions with the Soviet Union. source: nytimes.com
- 26 Mar LBJ Declines Presidential Re-election: On March 26, 1968, President Lyndon B. Johnson announced that he would not seek re-election. This decision came amid growing opposition to the Vietnam War and significant domestic challenges, marking a pivotal moment in U.S. political history. source: history.com
- 01 Apr U.S. bombing halt in North Vietnam: On April 1, 1968, President Lyndon B. Johnson announced a halt to the bombing of North Vietnam, aiming to facilitate peace negotiations. This decision was part of a broader strategy to end U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War. source: archives.gov
- 02 Apr Eugene McCarthy wins Wisconsin Democratic primary: On April 2, 1968, Eugene McCarthy won the Wisconsin Democratic primary, marking a significant moment in the 1968 presidential election. His anti-Vietnam War stance resonated with many voters, challenging incumbent President Lyndon B. Johnson. source: britannica.com
- 03 Apr Vietnam Peace Talks Preliminary Negotiations: North Vietnam agreed to meet with US representatives to initiate preliminary peace talks, signaling a potential diplomatic breakthrough in the Vietnam War.
- 08 Apr East Germany's New Socialist Constitution: On April 8, 1968, East Germany adopted a new socialist constitution, reflecting the nation's commitment to Marxist-Leninist principles and its alignment with the Soviet bloc during the Cold War. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 10 Apr US Nuclear Test in Nevada: The United States conducts a nuclear test at the Nevada Test Site, continuing Cold War-era nuclear weapons development and testing programs.
- 26 Apr US underground nuclear test: Operation Crosstie Boxcar: On April 26, 1968, the United States conducted an underground nuclear test known as Operation Crosstie Boxcar. This test was part of a series of nuclear tests conducted during the Cold War. source: nytimes.com
- 27 Apr Robert F. Kennedy's Nebraska campaign tour: On April 27, 1968, Senator Robert F. Kennedy embarked on a whistle-stop campaign tour across Nebraska, making ten stops from Kimball to Omaha. His speeches emphasized preserving small towns and family farms, and advocated for ending the Vietnam War by transferring combat responsibilities to the South Vietnamese Army. source: history.nebraska.gov
- 02 May Journalists murdered in Saigon: On May 2, 1968, two journalists were murdered in Saigon during the Vietnam War. This incident highlighted the dangers faced by reporters covering the conflict and drew international attention to the ongoing violence in the region. The event underscored the risks associated with war reporting. source: nytimes.com
- 10 May Paris Peace Talks: US and North Vietnam Negotiate Vietnam War Resolution: On May 10, 1968, representatives from the United States and North Vietnam met in Paris to initiate peace negotiations aimed at resolving the Vietnam War. This marked the first direct meeting between the two nations regarding the conflict. source: upi.com
- 12 May Battle of Coral-Balmoral during Vietnam War: The Battle of Coral-Balmoral was a significant engagement during the Vietnam War, occurring from May 12 to May 14, 1968. It involved Australian and American forces against North Vietnamese troops, marking a critical moment in the conflict. source: britannica.com
- 19 May Nigerian military captures Port Harcourt during Biafran War: On May 19, 1968, Nigerian forces captured Port Harcourt, a strategic city in southeastern Nigeria, during the Biafran War. The Nigerian 3rd Marine Commando Division, led by General Benjamin Adekunle, launched an amphibious assault on the city, leading to the retreat of Biafran forces. This victory was significant as it cut off Biafra's access to the sea, impacting their supply lines. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 25 May German Military Figure Dies: George KFW von Knchler, a German marshal known for his role in the Netherlands during World War II, passed away at the age of 86, marking the end of a generation of military leaders from that era.
- 10 Jun General Creighton Abrams takes command in Vietnam: On June 10, 1968, General Creighton Abrams assumed command of U.S. military operations in Vietnam, succeeding General William Westmoreland. Abrams' leadership marked a shift in U.S. military strategy during the Vietnam War. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 13 Jun Earl Warren's Supreme Court Resignation Announcement: On June 13, 1968, Chief Justice Earl Warren informed President Lyndon B. Johnson of his intention to retire from the Supreme Court, effective upon the confirmation of his successor. Warren's decision was influenced by concerns over the upcoming presidential election and the possibility of a conservative successor being appointed by Richard Nixon. source: senate.gov
- 26 Jun Iwo Jima and Bonin Islands returned to Japan: On June 26, 1968, the United States officially returned the islands of Iwo Jima and the Bonin Islands to Japan. This event marked a significant step in post-war relations between the two nations. source: bbc.com
- 24 Jul Battle of Harlaw: One of the bloodiest battles in Scottish history, the Battle of Harlaw was a significant conflict between the Highlanders and Lowlanders, marking a brutal chapter in medieval Scottish territorial disputes.
- 26 Jul Vietnam War: Opposition Leader Sentenced for Peace Advocacy: Trương Đình Dzu, a South Vietnamese politician and peace advocate, was arrested on July 26, 1968, and sentenced to five years of hard labor for illicit currency transactions. His arrest was widely viewed as politically motivated due to his opposition to the Vietnam War and his criticism of the government. International and domestic pressure led to his release after five months. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 20 Aug Warsaw Pact invasion of Czechoslovakia: On August 20, 1968, Warsaw Pact troops, led by the Soviet Union, invaded Czechoslovakia to suppress the Prague Spring reforms, marking a significant event in the Cold War. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 21 Aug Romania condemns Soviet invasion: On August 21, 1968, Romania, under Nicolae Ceaușescu, publicly condemned the Soviet-led invasion of Czechoslovakia, marking a rare act of defiance within the Warsaw Pact. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 26 Aug 1968 Democratic National Convention begins: The 1968 Democratic National Convention commenced on August 26, 1968, in Chicago. The event was marked by significant political turmoil and protests, reflecting the divisions within the Democratic Party over the Vietnam War. source: britannica.com
- 27 Aug Chicago Democratic Convention protests: On August 27, 1968, protests erupted in Chicago during the Democratic National Convention. Demonstrators opposed the Vietnam War and called for political change, leading to significant clashes with law enforcement. source: britannica.com
- 28 Aug Police and protesters clash during 1968 Democratic National Convention protests: On August 28, 1968, protests escalated at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, leading to violent confrontations between police and demonstrators. The protests were a response to the Vietnam War and the political climate of the time. source: britannica.com
- 02 Sep Operation OAU in Nigerian Civil War: Operation OAU was a military operation during the Nigerian Civil War, conducted between September 2 and October 15, 1968. The Nigerian 3 Marine Commando Division launched an offensive against Biafran forces in southeastern Nigeria, aiming to capture key cities including Aba and Umuahia. Despite being outnumbered, Biafran forces managed to retain control of Umuahia and eventually recaptured Aba on October 15. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 04 Sep Nigerian Troops Capture Aba During Biafran War: On September 4, 1968, Nigerian troops captured the city of Aba during the Biafran War. This event was part of the larger Operation OAU, where Nigerian forces aimed to secure key Biafran territories. Despite initial successes, Biafran forces later recaptured Aba on October 15. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 05 Sep Nigerian Civil War - Capture of Aba: On September 5, 1968, during the Nigerian Civil War, Nigerian federal troops captured the city of Aba from Biafran forces. This event marked a significant turning point in the conflict, which lasted until 1970. source: bbc.com
- 08 Sep French Nuclear Test: France conducts a nuclear test at the Mururoa Atoll in French Polynesia, continuing its nuclear weapons development program during the Cold War era.
- 09 Sep Albania withdraws from the Warsaw Pact: On September 9, 1968, Albania formally withdrew from the Warsaw Pact, a collective defense treaty among eight communist states of Central and Eastern Europe during the Cold War. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 11 Sep Albania's withdrawal from the Warsaw Pact: On September 11, 1968, Albania's withdrawal from the Warsaw Pact was officially recognized, marking a significant shift in the country's foreign policy during the Cold War. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 23 Sep End of Phase III of the Tet Offensive: The Tet Offensive, a major military campaign during the Vietnam War, saw its Phase III conclude on September 23, 1968. This phase involved widespread attacks by North Vietnamese and Viet Cong forces across South Vietnam. The offensive significantly impacted public perception of the war in the United States. source: archives.gov
- 08 Oct Vietnam War: Operation Sealords launched: Operation Sealords was initiated on October 8, 1968, as a major military operation during the Vietnam War. It aimed to disrupt North Vietnamese supply lines and operations in the Mekong Delta region. The operation involved extensive naval and air support to enhance the effectiveness of ground troops. source: archives.gov
- 09 Oct Marines return to Khe Sanh base: On October 9, 1968, U.S. Marines returned to the Khe Sanh base, which had been a focal point of intense fighting during the Vietnam War. This return was part of a broader strategy to secure the area and maintain a military presence in the region. The base had previously been under siege, making this return significant for U.S. military operations. source: archives.gov
- 31 Oct US halts bombing of North Vietnam: On October 31, 1968, President Lyndon B. Johnson announced the suspension of bombing operations in North Vietnam. This decision was part of a broader strategy to negotiate peace in the Vietnam War. source: archives.gov
- 15 Nov US Air Force launches Operation Commando Hunt: Operation Commando Hunt was initiated by the US Air Force on November 15, 1968, targeting the supply routes of North Vietnamese forces. This operation was part of the broader Vietnam War strategy to disrupt enemy logistics. source: history.com
- 24 Nov U.S. military attack on Tham Piu cave: On November 24, 1968, U.S. military forces conducted an attack on the Tham Piu cave in Laos, which was believed to be a hideout for the Pathet Lao. This operation was part of the broader conflict in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War. source: archives.gov
- 26 Nov Heroic rescue during Vietnam War: On November 26, 1968, a notable rescue operation took place during the Vietnam War, where U.S. forces successfully saved soldiers trapped in a dangerous situation. This event highlighted the bravery and challenges faced by military personnel during the conflict. source: history.com
- 02 Dec Nixon appoints Kissinger as National Security Advisor: On December 2, 1968, President Richard Nixon appointed Henry Kissinger as his National Security Advisor. This appointment marked a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy during the Cold War era. source: nytimes.com
- 27 Dec China's nuclear test at Lop Nor: On December 27, 1968, China conducted its fourth nuclear test at the Lop Nor test site. This test was part of China's efforts to develop its nuclear arsenal and assert its position in global geopolitics during the Cold War. source: bbc.com
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