A highly acclaimed, well-written, and flawlessly researched history of the battle that doomed the French Empire and led America into Vietnam.
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Between 1946 and 1954, the Communist Viet Minh in Indochina achieved a unique wartime transformation from "a clandestine guerrilla movement into a powerful conventional army." Their final vindication came at Dien Bien Phu, where, in the spring of 1954, they isolated and destroyed a headstrong, U.S.-equipped French force. In this account, Windrow, a London-based editor, publisher, and writer, explores the tragic significance of the landmark battle that vanquished the French and drew America into Vietnam. The book includes 21 detailed maps of the region; 40 b&w photos of military commanders, personnel, equipment, and battle sites, with extended explanations; and a glossary of military and Vietnamese terms. Supplementary materials comprise lists of French and Vietnamese military staff, commanding officers, and units. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
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