First Indochina War (1945-1954)

Question 1

Etienne Valluy (General)

Answer 1

French general known for his military leadership during World War II and his involvement in the First Indochina War. He played a significant role in the context of French military operations in Indochina, particularly during the early stages of the conflict between the French colonial forces and the Viet Minh.

Became the commander of French forces in Indochina in 1949, during the First Indochina War, succeeding General Jean de Lattre de Tassigny.

Question 2

Vo Nguyen Giap (1945-1975)

Answer 2

Vietnamese general and politician who played a crucial role in the Vietnam War and the First Indochina War. He was a key military strategist and the principal commander of the North Vietnamese army.

During the First Indochina War, Giap served as the military commander of the Viet Minh forces and played a pivotal role in the defeat of the French at the Battle of Dien Bien Phu in 1954, which led to the Geneva Accords and the temporary partition of Vietnam

Question 3

Colonel Christian de Castries (1954)

Answer 3

French military officer known for his role as the commanding officer of the French forces during the decisive Battle of Dien Bien Phu in 1954. The battle fought between the French forces and the Viet Minh during the First Indochina War, ultimately led to the French defeat and the end of French colonial rule in Indochina.

Question 4

General Henri Navarre (1945)

Answer 4

French military officer who played a significant role during the First Indochina War and the early stages of the Vietnam War. He was appointed as the French commander-in-chief in Indochina in 1953, during a critical period of the conflict against the Vietnamese forces.

Question 5

Colonel Charles Piroth (1954)

Answer 5

Colonel Charles Piroth was a French artillery commander who played a notable role during the Battle of Dien Bien Phu in 1954, a crucial engagement during the First Indochina War. He was in charge of the French artillery positions during the battle, which pitted the French Union forces against the Viet Minh, the Vietnamese independence movement led by General Vo Nguyen Giap.