The Battle of Hill A1

The 39-day and 39-night battle was the longest in the Dien Bien Phu Campaign, taking place at Hill A1 – which the French had built to be the strongest point of resistance in the Dien Bien Phu fortified complex. Capturing A1 was crucial, helping the Vietnam People's Army complete this historic campaign.

Located east of the Dien Bien Phu fortified complex, Hill A1 was a strategically important high point within the system of five hills to the east protecting the center of Muong Thanh. The French deployed a large force and heavy firepower here, along with strong and fortified positions. This posed a significant challenge for our army when attacking this location.

To prepare for the battle, starting on March 17, 1954, we concentrated our efforts on building a system of offensive and encirclement positions around the enemy's fortified complex. This system included main trenches, branch trenches for transporting and maneuvering forces, offensive and assault positions for the regiments, and numerous shelters and command bunkers.

The battle at Hill A1 raged for many days, resulting in heavy casualties. This forced the campaign command to withdraw and regroup, leaving behind a defensive force. To neutralize this stronghold, a breakthrough plan was devised: digging a tunnel through the ground and placing a massive explosive charge weighing nearly a thousand pounds inside. With the capture of A1, the eastern center of the French stronghold completely collapsed. Just half a day later, the People's Army of Vietnam was able to easily penetrate and destroy the French command post. After nearly 40 days and nights of heroic and tenacious fighting, our revolutionary army fought the enemy for every inch of land and every meter of trench. In the battle at Hill A1, more than 2,500 of the nation's finest sons and daughters perished.

Hill A1 today

Seventy years have passed since the guns fell silent on Hill A1. Along with other historical relics in the Dien Bien Phu battlefield complex, Hill A1 is now being restored by Dien Bien province, becoming a destination attracting tourists from all over the world. The remaining historical evidence continues to remind Vietnamese people of the value of independence and freedom, and the blood and sacrifices of generations of ancestors shed on this land.

Dien Bien Radio and Television Station

Source