Our army has matured an important step, but there are still limitations.
The second attack of our army on the Dien Bien Phu stronghold began on March 30, 1954. This was the largest-scale attack since our army was founded until the Dien Bien Phu campaign. At the beginning of the campaign, we only attacked each resistance center, each battalion stationed separately. This time, we attacked an area consisting of many resistance centers with many battalions stationed separately, an area consisting of many resistance centers with many battalions.
On April 4, 1954, the second offensive ended.
In the memoir “Dien Bien Phu - The Historic Campaign” by General Hoang Van Thai, it was written: “In the initial exchange of opinions within the staff agency after the second offensive ended, we saw that our army was facing new difficulties and the staff function required us to urgently research and propose solutions.”
From this reality, on April 6, 1954, General and Commander-in-Chief Vo Nguyen Giap decided to convene a conference to review the second phase of the campaign.
In the concluding report, comrade Vo Nguyen Giap stated that our victory was very great. Our army had destroyed four enemy strongholds on the eastern high points, destroyed and forced the surrender and withdrawal of two positions in the west, narrowed their occupation area in the west and north of the airport, and destroyed an important part of the enemy's elite forces. The troops had matured an important step in the large-scale attack to destroy solid fortifications.
The labor force concentrated on supplying our troops at the Dien Bien Phu battlefield. Photo: Archive
That victory was achieved thanks to the correct policy, strategy and combat plan, and the brave fighting spirit of the cadres and soldiers. The most typical were the units that penetrated deep into the enemy's territory, the main attack companies fighting on the high points in the east, the units that fought the enemy's counterattacks, some units of the 12.7 anti-aircraft, 37 anti-aircraft, 105 howitzer, the defensive combat companies in the west, the units that cut off the enemy's communication line between Muong Thanh and Hong Cum...
That victory was also due to the cadres having many advantages, a higher sense of responsibility than before, diligently studying meticulously and arranging thoughtful plans, closely checking and urging the troops, especially in the fierce fighting hours. That victory was also due to the troops' progress in technical tactics, in building the starting positions for the charge, opening up the breakthrough quickly, closely coordinating with artillery, including in fighting the enemy's counterattacks, and holding the position. Infantry, ground artillery, anti-aircraft artillery, and engineers all made progress.
The conference also pointed out our shortcomings in the recent battle: some cadres had tactical shortcomings, some units built the starting positions for the assault that did not meet the standards and requirements set forth, and the coordination between artillery and artillery in the battle was not tight...
In his memoir “Dien Bien Phu - A historic rendezvous”, General and Commander-in-Chief Vo Nguyen Giap pointed out: “The enemy’s occupation area has narrowed considerably, and their forces have also suffered great losses. However, we have not yet completed all the set goals, especially not completely capturing A1. This is an important goal of this offensive!”
After listening to the analysis, summary, and comments of General and Commander-in-Chief Vo Nguyen Giap, "everyone was deeply aware of the shortcomings they had committed, and clearly saw that the Party Committee's strict but sincere criticisms were very necessary to support each person to move forward and complete the mission" (Memoirs "Dien Bien Phu - The Historic Campaign" by General Hoang Van Thai).
Our determination to destroy the enemy remains unchanged.
Moving on to the upcoming combat strategy, General Hoang Van Thai's memoir "Dien Bien Phu - The Historic Campaign" clearly stated: "The Party Secretary affirmed: Our determination to destroy the enemy remains unchanged. To move forward with the general offensive to end the fate of all enemy troops in the stronghold, the Party Committee of the front advocated continuing to complete the tasks set for the recent offensive.
Specifically, continue to consolidate and develop the offensive and siege positions closer to the enemy, improve the terrain to capture some more important enemy positions to gradually tighten the siege; capture the airport to completely eliminate enemy supplies and reinforcements, and further threaten their depth.
Particularly, the units tasked with fighting in the key eastern defensive area must prepare thoroughly to capture the remaining two positions Al and C1 to create conditions for a general attack, destroying all enemy troops in the stronghold group.
According to VNA
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