10. Battle of Dien Bien Phu (1954)
In 1954, during the First Indochina War, French forces established a fortified base at Dien Bien Phu, aiming to disrupt Viet Minh supply lines and draw them into a decisive battle. However, the Viet Minh, under General Võ Nguyên Giáp, surrounded the base with approximately 40,000 troops and heavy artillery. They transported artillery through difficult terrain, positioning it on surrounding hills to bombard French positions. The French, relying on air supply, were cut off as the Viet Minh disabled airstrips and shot down aircraft. After a 57-day siege, the French garrison surrendered on May 7, 1954, marking the end of French colonial rule in Indochina. (britannica.com)
