The Vietnam War

Riding the Tiger (1961-1963)

President Kennedy inspires idealistic young Americans to serve their country and wrestles with how deeply to get involved in South Vietnam. As the increasingly autocratic Diem regime faces a growing communist insurgency and widespread Buddhist protests, a grave political crisis unfolds.

Riding the Tiger (1961-1963)

1h 26m

President Kennedy inspires idealistic young Americans to serve their country and wrestles with how deeply to get involved in South Vietnam. As the increasingly autocratic Diem regime faces a growing communist insurgency and widespread Buddhist protests, a grave political crisis unfolds.

  • Student Protests: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Student Protests

    S1 E2 - 1m 42s

    Students across South Vietnam protest the government's treatment of Buddhist monks. President Diem arrests thousands of students in response.

  • The Nightlight: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    The Nightlight

    S1 E2 - 1m 37s

    A Marine remembers being afraid when assigned a listening post at night near the DMZ and how that fear stays with him today.

  • JFK on the Diem Coup: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    JFK on the Diem Coup

    S1 E2 - 1m

    Days after President Diem and his brother were killed in Saigon, President Kennedy dictated his own rueful account of the coup and his concerns for Vietnam's future.

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