Battle of Dien Bien Phu

This Battle Analysis is written to illustrate the importance of logistics to complement tactical decisions with the war fighter on the battleground. The battle of Dien Bien Phu (DBP) was a decisive engagement during the Indochina War (1946-54). Less than ten percent of the total French forces in Indochina occupied the DBP valley in late 1953; Viet Minh Commander Vo Nguyen Giap amassed troops and placed heavy artillery in the caves of the mountains overlooking the valley (History, 1996). The French had a half million troops in Indochina by the fall of 1953; with a two to one presence over the Viet Minh. The French were still losing heavily despite their technological advantages, economic superiority, and trained Soldiers. The French operation was planned to be supplied through air assets, and become the greatest fort of all to prevent Viet Minh resupply through Laos. This “out of focus” thinking about the defense of DBP underestimated the artillery ability of the Viet Minh taking the high ground. This battle was the end of the French empire in Indochina and shaped a psychological persuasion in favor of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam during peace talks (PeriscopeFilm, 2015). Keywords: Dien Bien Phu, Vietnam People’s Army French Battle at Dien Bien Phu: Logistical Attrition…

The Battle of Dien Bien Phu was a Decisive clash that took place in the first Indochina War which was a precursor to the Vietnam War. The battle was fought for a small mountain outpost on the border of Vietnam near Laos. Fighting went on for fifty seven days; it took place in late 1953 at the end of the eight year war. The Indochina War was a conflict between the French and Vietnamese. France held control of Vietnam from about 1883 to 1945 when Nationalist leader Ho Chi Minh declared…

that if Vietnam fell under communist influence, than other nations in Southeast Asia would follow, hence the domino theory. Although the United States’ involvement dated back to World War II, it did not escalate until the 1950’s. Unfortunately the United States’ involvement kept increasing due to the fear of communism. There were several factors that led to the increase of U.S. involvement in Vietnam. Events at Dien Bien Phu, the Geneva Conference, the creation of South Vietnam, and John F.…

Vietnam, historically known as one of America’s most catastrophic war and bloodstained. Thousands of Americans lives were lost, however the Americans were not the only Military force to loose mass amounts of troops in this nation’s history. France acquired years of struggle and massive thrashings against the Communist country. But one Battle in particular was the battle of Dien Bien Phu. The quantities of casualties were shocking and the tactical portion was farfetched. This Battle went into…

Following the Battle of Diem Bien Phu the Geneva Peace Accords were signed in 1954 and were considered a temporary resolution to conflict in Indochina. The agreement played a pivotal role in the development of both South and North Vietnam until 1964, creating instability in both regions. Politically, of one of the key elements of the peace agreement was the division of Vietnam along the 17th parallel. The division played a significant role in the social development of the North and the South.…

Lanning and Cragg stated that any supplies, money, and weaponry entered North Vietnam through the Port of Haiphong. The Port of Haiphong was a sea port that was knowingly used by the Soviets and yet the port had been immune to any United States military action (120). Early on regular munitions and missiles were known to be shipped through Port Haiphong, but as the strategies of the Vietminh evolved, the Soviets responded with multitudes of sophisticated weapons, including Soviet PT-76 tanks that…

has, “[Enormous] knowledge of Marxism, Leninism, and the Titoist and Maoist versions of the faith,” speaks Sarkhanese, and genuinely wants to see the spread of Communism brought to a halt which is shown by no signs of shying away from the daunting task ahead of him (Pg 94). Major James Wolchek is a humble American paratrooper who was awarded the Silver Star and a Purple Heart. He has made 100 practice parachute jumps, including five under enemy fire, so he gets sent to Sarkhan and meets the men…

INTRODUCTION The question this essay will explore is the following: "Why did the United States get involved in Vietnam after the fall of the French at the Battle of Dien Dien Phu?" This is important because the reasons the U.S. entered the Vietnam War are still a controversial issue today and people may not understand or may just be completely oblivious to the facts. This is important to study because many Americans died during the war and it still effects decisions made by presidents today.…

The defeat of the French at Dien Bien Phu was a turning point in the First Indochina War but also in the how the world viewed the newly victorious Vietminh. The French retreated to their urban strongholds of Saigon and Hanoi awaiting the result of the upcoming Geneva Conference. This set piece battle was to be the opportunity for the United States equipped and funded French Expeditionary Corps to defeat the lightly equipped and trained Vietminh force on a battlefield of their choice. The battle…

The Vietnam War began in 1954. However, the reasons for why Vietnam was divided began just after WWII ended in 1945. After Japan withdrew their forces in Vietnam and left, France wanted to regain control of Vietnam as they had control before WWII and before Japan was in Vietnam. Before this, Ho Chi Minh had organized Viet Minh or the League for the Independence of Vietnam. Immediatly after Japan left, Minh invaded northern Vietnam and declared it a Democratic Republic of Vietnam. The main…