Dien Bien Phu battle through photojournalist perspective

The Communist Party's Politburo met on Dec. 6, 1953 under the direction of President Ho Chi Minh to discuss the war plan for 1954. This was when the top leaders of the Vietnamese Army decided to reclaim Dien Bien Phu Valley. The photo is among a collection that was mostly contributed by photojournalist Trieu Dai (1920-1992).

President Ho Chi Minh gives the order to General Vo Nguyen Giap to command the battle. "This is an important battle. We only fight if we surely win," Minh said.

Vietnamese soldiers march to Dien Bien Phu, 500 kilometers to the northwest of Hanoi.

They carry artillery to the battlefield, most of the time through hills and mountains.

Over 20,000 bicycles were used to transport food, goods and weapons to the front. The Dien Bien Phu battle was an iconic one that showed the determination of both the army and others in defending the country.

Horses were also used to transport goods.

General Giap is seen commanding at the headquarters.

Soldiers wave the flag after taking over Him Lam, a key destination on the battlefield.

Soldiers celebrate on top of a crashed French aircraft.

16,200 French soldiers either died or were captured during the battle.

Soldiers lift General Giap up to celebrate their victory.

Giap honors units that made major contributions.

President Ho Chi Minh gives medals to honorable soldiers.

The Geneva Convention in July 1954, where leaders of many countries agreed to reestablish peace in Indochina, ending nine years of the French dominating northern Vietnam. Photo courtesy of the Dien Bien Phu Victory Museum