IIRC, we pulled out in '73, but Saigon held out a couple more years and finally fell in '75. I remember the TV coverage, people trying to board the helicopters to get out of the country, just a complete mob scene, when we pulled out.
March 29, 1973 - The last remaining American troops withdraw from Vietnam as President Nixon declares "the day we have all worked and prayed for has finally come." April 30, 1975 - At 8:35 a.m., the last Americans, ten Marines from the embassy, depart Saigon, concluding the United States presence in Vietnam. North Vietnamese troops pour into Saigon and encounter little resistance. By 11 a.m., the red and blue Viet Cong flag flies from the presidential palace. President Minh broadcasts a message of unconditional surrender. The war is over.
It was after 11/74. I went in on that date and was awarded a Viet Nam ribbon, as were all military who served during that time whether or not they actually went to Viet Nam. (I never wore it out of respect for those who did)
