Hell in a Very Small Place the Siege of Dien Bien Phu by Bernard B. Fall

Hell in a Very Small Place the Siege of Dien Bien Phu by Bernard B. Fall is the classic work on the fall of the French garrison. Fall who was one of the best analysts of the Vietnam conflict both from the French and American involvement until his death has written here the major work on the siege. This book is still required reading even after so many years.

Basically if you want to understand the battle why and how it was fought you must read this book. He also debunks various myths that had already grown-up around the campaign such as the foreign Legion being predominantly German [usually stated to be former SS]. Also the "paratroop mafia" and their effect on the battle.

By it you won't be disappointed.




For reviews take a look at My Insurgency/Counterinsurgency, Partisan and Guerrilla Warfare bookshelf.