John Fitzgerald Kennedy (May 29, 1917 – November 22, 1963)

President John F. Kennedy decided to increase military aid to South Vietnam without committing U.S. combat troops.

Kennedy was concerned at the advances being made by the communist Viet
Cong, but did not want to become involved in a land war in Vietnam. He
hoped that the military aid would be sufficient to strengthen the Saigon
government and its armed forces against the Viet Cong. Ultimately it was
not, and Kennedy ended up sending additional support in the form of U.S.
military advisors and American helicopter units. By the time of his
assassination in 1963, there were 16,000 U.S. soldiers in South
Vietnam.

U.S. adviser training Montagnard’s at a fortified camp near Buon Me Thout in central Vietnam.

CAMILLE BOHANNON

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial was dedicated in Washington, DC. on this day in 1982, after a march to its site by thousands
of Vietnam War veterans. About two years later the Three
Soldiers statue was dedicated.

TIM MAGUIRE

Actor/producer Leonardo Wilhelm DiCaprio is 45 yeas old today. As
of 2019, his films have earned $7.2 billion worldwide, and he has
placed eight times in annual rankings of the world’s highest-paid
actors. His accolades include an Academy Award and three Golden Globe Awards.

Leonardo Wilhelm DiCaprio at the 88th Academy Awards (2016):
Best Actor, win, for The Revenant.

SANDY KOZEL

On this day in 1517, Martin Luther posted the 95 Theses on the door of the Wittenberg Palace Church. The event marked the start of the Protestant Reformation in Germany.

Martin Luther (November 10, 1483 – February 18, 1546)