[FASTBOAT TOUGH]

Grant,
If you're still working on the Dien Bien Phu Campaign, I really think after about the 30yr. hiatus since you indicated you read Bernard Fall's book you should do so again, I just finished it. He covers all aspects of the battle from the initial airdrop and ensuing three days it took to neutralize the enemy, the siege and raid period to a daily breakdown of the final 54 days Gen. Giap decided and was ready to launch his offensive. He covers CONDOR and ALBATROSS, also the what ifs of VOLTURE being implemented, the 16 tank option and the need for BEATRICE.
I strongly feel this would allow you too "scale down" the battle somewhat as you know most of the "French troops" fought from fixed positions and allow the counter attacking French troops to enter the map at an appropriate time based on the archives. Also it has many battle maps included.
As the book points out we would revisit (U.S. Civilians flew resupply missions during the battle.) Dien Bien Phu and bomb it successful in 1965. They found the dead from both sides finally got a grave marker around where the I believe it said, the HUGENUTTE positions were...a new airstrip that criss crossed to original one. I believe the GOOGLE 3D map I posted here earlier shows it.
Unless you've read the book or really looked into the history, it would be hard to fully understand and appreciate not only what all the troops endured, but also the ramifications to East/West relations and also the long term policies adapted by the U.S., China and Russia in S.E. Asia that would culminate with the Vietnam War and for a few years after that war ended.
There are examples of courage and what men will sacrifice for the sake of others that'll make a grown man cry. So I end with...
La main de Dieu honore vraiment tous qui s'est sacificed pour le bien de leur collègue homme.

Not what I intended to work on this morning, but I feel this project is important for everything this battle represents to all that were involved. Grant "march on" and "don't give up the boat!", you won't see me say ship if I can help it!?!

Regards,
Pat