The Paris Peace Accords End Direct Combat Role of United States in the Vietnam War

In January of 1973 the Paris Peace Accords were signed after four years of negotiations, with the intent to establish peace in Vietnam and end the war. The Accords were signed by the United States, and North and South Vietnam. The agreement stated that armies from both North and South Vietnam would hold their positions, the United States military would withdraw from combat and leave the country, and both sides of the conflict would work together to find a peaceful path to reunification.

After nearly eight years of fighting and more than four years of negotiations, much of them in secret, talks in Paris finally yielded results. Late in 1972, the North Vietnamese government officially agreed to the terms of the Paris Peace Accords. There would be an immediate cease-fire, armies from both countries would hold their positions, U.S. troops would withdraw in 60 days and the South Vietnamese government would start negotiations with the Viet Cong for free and democratic elections with the eventual goal of reunifying Vietnam. 

"And I saw on the news territory that I've seen people die to obtain for the United States so the VC don't get it now being turned over to the VC by our government. And that was very disheartening. That was kind of a low shot to the gut, if you will, in seeing those things."

South Vietnamese troops were given control of their own fate. On January 28, 1973 withdrawal of U.S. combat troops began and by March all but advisors and Marine guards returned to America.