In Cambodia, the ruinous rule of the Khmer Rouge began in 1975 as communists seized power. Power struggles in the region continued after the peace agreement. Overall, The Air Force flew 5.25 million sorties in Southeast Asia, losing 2,251 aircraft and 1,738 Airmen killed in action from 1962 to 1973. Congress did not support further fighting, however, and USAF combat operations in the Southeast Asia War ended on July 15, 1973. Meanwhile, air combat continued for a time over Cambodia, since the treaties applied only to the Vietnams and Laos. The Air Force relocated its Southeast Asian headquarters to Thailand, where its steadily shrinking force monitored the cease-fire. Finally, 591 American prisoners of war held in North Vietnam were released and transported to the United States.

also dismantled bases in South Vietnam and destroyed or deactivated mines in Vietnamese waters. The agreement specified troop withdrawal and the return of prisoners of war.Īmerican troops were to leave South Vietnam within 60 days in a process overseen by international observers. 23 by Henry Kissinger for the United States and Le Duc Tho for the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (North Vietnam), took effect five days later.

The peace agreement signed in Paris in 1973 ended U.S. I have asked for this radio and television time tonight for the purpose of announcing that we today have concluded an agreement to end the war and bring peace with honor in Vietnam and in Southeast Asia.'

Vietnam war us navy in southeast asia