The Battle of Dienbienphu

Rating:
Summary: The French Defeated Again
Review: I've watched the History channel inteviews of the German soldiers being interviewed with questions about "who were your most fiercest enemies"? The German's usually replied either the English or the Americans. No German's mentioned the French. The French as our allies, was always bailed out by the Americans. Some Americans say that the French is only good for surrendering!

Rating:
Summary: The French Defeated Again
Review: I've watched the History channel inteviews of the German soldiers being interviewed with questions about "who were your most fiercest enemies"? The German's usually replied either the English or the Americans. No German's mentioned the French. The French as our allies, was always bailed out by the Americans. Some Americans say that the French is only good for surrendering!

Rating:
Summary: Covers no new ground
Review: If you have read Bernard Fall's Hell in a Very Small Place, then there's no point in reading this book as it basically treads the same ground, and delivers no new insights at all.

Rating:
Summary: Interesting account of the battle
Review: Only having limited exposure to the battle of Dien Bien Phu, I looked forward to learning about this decisive battle. Mr. Roy has written a saddening, gripping account of sufferings and heroism displayed by the French troops. Of course, I wish he had given more time to the VienMihn, but since he is French... he had to place more emphasis on the French experience. Without doubt, this book is not for arm-chair generals who wish to learn about battles to debate with others. This book is for those who wish to learn everything about the war: Horrors, deaths, sadness, defeat, struggles, honor, disgrace.

Rating:
Summary: Interesting account of the battle
Review: Only having limited exposure to the battle of Dien Bien Phu, I looked forward to learning about this decisive battle. Mr. Roy has written a saddening, gripping account of sufferings and heroism displayed by the French troops. Of course, I wish he had given more time to the VienMihn, but since he is French... he had to place more emphasis on the French experience. Without doubt, this book is not for arm-chair generals who wish to learn about battles to debate with others. This book is for those who wish to learn everything about the war: Horrors, deaths, sadness, defeat, struggles, honor, disgrace.

Rating:
Summary: Giap outfoxes Navarre
Review: This book recounts in vivid detail how Viet General Giap defeated
French General Navarre in the game of grand strategy played out in the jungles of Southeast Asia. The author contrasts the intense patriotism and self sacrifice of the Vietminh soldiers against the professionalism and devotion to honor of the French units. Maybe the book deserves 4 stars instead of the three I gave it but I thought the writers style left a little to be desired. All around though a very good book and worthy to sit in any history buffs collection. Note: I had to comment on the previous persons review who ignorantly badmouthed the French army while not even offering a review of the books merits. It takes more than watching a couple of History Channel specials to understand a nations motivations and willingness to fight. The heroism displayed by the French soldiers at Dienbienphu was just one more example of their well known devotion to duty. Ever heard of Camerone, Verdun, Birhacheim or the great victory at Austerlitz? Make sure you get your facts straight before insulting a nations military achievements.