Today is Friday, January 18, 2019 Today in Vietnam War History 1950 - China formally recognized the communist Democratic Republic of Vietnam and agreed to provide military assistance. 1971 - U.S. Senator George S. McGovern (D-South Dakota) began his presidential campaign. Vietnam War Quote There is a simple prescription for peace--leave your neighbors alone." Secretary of State Dean Rusk, May 22, 1964 Tomorrow in Vietnam War History.