After the French success in the Battle of Na San, the battle of Dien Bien Phu is supposed to defeat the Viet Minh once and for all. But instead the weeks long siege becomes a symbol of the French defeat in Vietnam.
The main reason is the French lacked the absolutely overwhelming air power that the US brought to the fight. No matter how good the NVA/VC were at ambushing and besieging they couldn't counter the air dropped munitions. Other factors including poor planning were involved but without proper air support the French were operating at a distinct disadvantage.
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The main reason is the French lacked the absolutely overwhelming air power that the US brought to the fight. No matter how good the NVA/VC were at ambushing and besieging they couldn't counter the air dropped munitions. Other factors including poor planning were involved but without proper air support the French were operating at a distinct disadvantage.
ReplyDeletePick an indefensible position with no possibility of being reinforced? Not a recipe for success. The French haven't won anything since Martel.
ReplyDelete