13 March 1954: Gen. Võ Nguyên Giáp's Việt Minh began the siege of French forces at Điện Biên Phủ with a preemptive heavy artillery attack that severely damaged airfield's the French used to fly in supplies for the garrison.

With their supply lines interrupted, the French found themselves in an untenable position. The siege continued into early May when Giáp's forces hammered the French outpost mercilessly, forcing them to surrender at 1 a.m. on 8 May after a fierce two-day battle.

For details, see: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Indochina_War#French_defeat_at_Dien_Bien_Phu,_end_of_the_war_(1954)

ILLUSTRATIONS: (1) French armor counterattacks at Điện Biên Phủ on 15 March. (2) French paratroopers battle with Việt Minh antiaircraft units near Bản Ông Pet on 28 March. (3) Lt. Henri Préaud and Capt. Yves Hervouët confer in their M24 light tanks during the assault against Việt Minh AAA positions west of Điện Biên Phủ on 28 March. (4) Lt. Paul Brunbrouck shouts commands to gun crews during the defense of the Dominique 3 position on 30 March. (5) French soldiers move through elephant grass while on patrol outside Điện Biên Phủ.