Hill A1 stretches in a northwest-southeast direction, comprising two peaks: the northwest peak is over 490m high, and the southeast peak is over 493m high. A1 is the designation given to the hill by the Vietnamese army. After many extremely fierce battles took place here, at 4:00 AM on May 7, 1954, the Vietnamese army captured Hill A1.
The A1 historical site (Elian 2 stronghold) is located next to National Highway 279 (7/5 Road) in Muong Thanh Ward, Dien Bien Phu City, Dien Bien Province. This stronghold is 32 meters high above the road level, covers an area of 83,000 m2, and is approximately 500 meters west of the French colonial command post at Dien Bien Phu.
A1, located in the eastern hill range along with C1, C2, D, and E, formed a solid defensive wall protecting the central sector. It was the last high point directly protecting the French military command post and was considered the "key" to the entire Dien Bien Phu fortified complex.
The "Truncated Banyan Tree" bunker, the first point of interest at the historical site.
The pillbox made of a truncated banyan tree was destroyed by Company 671, Battalion 251, Regiment 174, Division 316 at 1:30 AM on May 7, 1954.
A1 Hill Historical Site
Memorial at the A1 Hill historical site.
Next to the monument is the remains of one of the two 18-ton tanks that Captain Hervée brought from the center of Muong Thanh to counterattack the Vietnamese army. Another important relic is the funnel-shaped pit, as large as a shallow "village pond." This is the trace of the thousand-pound explosive charge detonated by our troops, which our soldiers often called "digging tunnels to counter tunnels," meaning they neutralized both the tunnels and the fortified bunkers of the enemy.
The "thousand-pound" explosive crater is the result of the tireless labor and extraordinary courage of the soldiers of the Vietnam People's Army in their efforts to destroy the A1 stronghold.
A mass grave of unknown soldiers who died at outpost A1.
Over 2,000 of our officers and soldiers bravely sacrificed their lives. Finally, our troops completely took control of the A1 stronghold at 4:00 AM on May 7, 1954, opening the steel gate and advancing straight into the heart of the Dien Bien Phu fortified complex.
The victory at A1 was of great significance, opening the way for the entire front to quickly switch to a general offensive and achieve complete victory just 13 hours later.
French command bunker at A1 outpost.
Standing on Hill A1, you can get a panoramic view of Dien Bien Phu City.
Visiting the A1 stronghold today, through the remaining historical relics of the war such as tunnels, tanks, and bomb craters, we can somewhat understand the hardships, difficulties, and the heroic and courageous spirit of the soldiers who achieved the independence and freedom we enjoy today.
Comment (0)