The Battle of Dien Bien Phu was the decisive engagement in the first Indochina War (1946–54).


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In late 1953, Viet Minh commander Vo Nguyen Giap amassed troops and placed heavy artillery in caves of the mountains overlooking the French camps in the Dien Bien Phu valley. 




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Boosted by Chinese aid, Giap mounted assaults on the strong points of the opposition beginning in March 1954, eliminating use of the French airfield.






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Viet Minh forces overran the base in early May, prompting the French government to seek an end to the fighting with the signing of the Geneva Accords of 1954. Pictured is the home of late General Giap.






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The command headquarters of Dien Bien Phu campaign. It is about 20km east of the city of Dien Bien. 







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View of the Dien Bien Phu Museum, which houses some 350 artefacts and 202 documentary photos.





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View of War Martyr Cemetery on A1 Hill that includes the tombs of 644 soldiers, who died in the battle of Dien Bien Phu. 









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Dien Bien Phu Victory Monument on D1 Hill located at the centre of the city of Dien Bien Phu.   The statue weighs 220 tons and stands 16.6 metres high.






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Pictured is the area demarking the first command headquarters of Dien Bien Phu campaign.




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Muong Thanh Bridge at night.






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Hill A1. 






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Command Tunnel of General DeCastries.


VOV