United States Ambassador to South Vietnam

After World War II, France attempted to regain control of Vietnam, which they had lost to Japan in 1940. Following the First Indochina War, the country was split into two parts, the north and the south. The southern part was named The State of Vietnam under the leadership of Bảo Đại. In 1950, the United States recognized the Bảo Đại government, established diplomatic relations, and sent its first ambassador to Saigon in South Vietnam. The US was opposed to the Communist government of the North, led by Ho Chi Minh, and did not recognize the northern regime.

Following the Vietnam War, the US Embassy, Saigon was closed and all Embassy personnel evacuated on April 29, 1975, just prior to the surrender of South Vietnam to North Vietnamese forces.

Ambassadors

• Donald R. Heath – Career FSO
• Title: Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary
• Appointed: June 29, 1950
• Presented credentials: October 22, 1950
• Terminated mission: June 25, 1952 Promoted to Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary

• Donald R. Heath – Career FSO
• Title: Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary
• Appointed: June 25, 1952
• Presented credentials: July 11, 1952
• Terminated mission: Left......
...
...

Read More