March 29, 1973: Last U.S. Troops Depart South Vietnam

U.S. flag is furled at a ceremony marking official deactivation of the Military Assistance Command-Vietnam in Saigon. Source: Charles Harrity, AP

On March 29, 1973 the last U.S. combat troops left South Vietnam, ending direct U.S. military involvement in the Vietnam War.

Military advisers to the South Vietnamese Army remained, as did Marines protecting U.S. installations, and thousands of Defense Department civilians.