President Ngo Dinh Diem was the first President of South Vietnam, serving from 1955 until his assassination in 1963. He was a staunch anti-communist and received support from the United States during the early years of the Vietnam War. Diem's government faced criticism for its authoritarian practices and lack of political freedoms. Diem was born on January 3, 1901, in Vietnam and was educated in France. His leadership style and policies, particularly his treatment of Buddhists, led to widespread unrest and protests. Ultimately, his regime ended when he was overthrown and killed in a military coup.