Generalship of Vo Nguyen Giap, Myths and Realities

Vo Nguyen Giap served for over thirty years as commander of North Vietnam's Armed Forces, and has become something of a legend for his stunning defeat of the French at Dien Bien Phu in 1954 and for the TET Offensive of 1968 which shocked the world. This work attempts to sweep away some of the myths which surround the man, exposing his errors and defeats as well as listing his victories by tracing events from his flight to China in 1940; through the founding of the Viet Minh; his struggle and victory over the French; his role as overlord of the Viet Cong in South Vietnam; and finally his war against American forces. Emphasis is placed on the strategy, tactics and forces of all sides in the two conflicts, as well as the political dimension which played a major role in both wars. Keen intellect, practical skill and an ability to learn from mistakes, both his own and those of others, are attributes which characterized Giap and made him a formidable opponent.