ATS Dien Bien Phu 2016

Dien Bien Phu, FRENCH INDOCHINA, 28 March 1954: By March 27th, General DeCastries faced a major problem: how to deal with the Viet Minh AA-guns that were seriously hampering his efforts at air resupply for the garrison. He decided that the next day he would send a large strike out to the west of the garrison’s position, tasked to capture a nest of AA batteries near the villages of Bang Ong Pet, and Ban Ban. The man he chose for the job was the most respected leader in the French garrison: Major Marcel Bigeard, affectionately known by a nick-name earned during his days in the resistance: Bruno. Behind a powerful barrage and ample air support the French attack came in. The 6th BPC (Colonial Parachute Battalion) struck Bang Ong Pet while the 8th BPC struck Ban Ban. The 8th achieved its objectives quickly, but the 6th was pinned down by stiff resistance. Three Chaffee tanks came up to reinforce the latter French assault and Viet Minh resistance soon gave way. When it was over the French were astounded at their success. Not only had they captured five 20mm AA-guns, twelve 12.7 AA MGs, and killed some 350 of the enemy, but they had done it against the elite 308th division, viewed by both armies to be the best unit the Viet Minh possessed.

Game components include:

9 maps measuring 18.5" x 12.5"

3 countersheets (1 x Viet Minh, 1 x French Infantry/Light Weapons, 1 x Vehicles)

9 AFV cards