Battle of Nà Sản, 23 Nov – 10 Dec 1952
April 2025. Nà Sản, Vietnam. My next stop was at the old fortified ‘hedgehog’ of Nà Sản, just east of Son La. The French and Viet Minh fought a massive battle here in late 1952, the outcome of which convinced the French that holding a remote airbase and using superior French firepower to defeat enemy attacks was a valid strategy. Dien Bien Phu says – “Hold my beer!”
When we visited Nà Sản, we climbed a lot of very steep, very high hills! An exhausting day! Needed a few Hanoi beers after that one!
Viet Minh Northwest Offensive, October 1952
The Viet Minh Northwest Offensive in October 1952 overran Nghia Lo and most of the T’ai highlands. The Viet Minh continued across the Black River and into northern Laos. In an attempt to save the many small garrisons from being annihilated, General Salan dropped Bigeard’s 6th Colonial Parachute Battalion into Tu Le, leading to the epic fighting withdrawal across the mountains.
To disrupt the Viet Minh offensive, General Raoul Salan decided to establish an ‘Aeroterrestre’ (Air-Land) Base, where French forces could develop an entrenched camp and employ their superiority in air and artillery power against Viet Minh attackers.
Occupation of Nà Sản
The first French units began to arrive at Nà Sản on 16 October 1952. Over the next month, more battalions were flown in, along with engineer equipment and stores, artillery, and reconnaissance aircraft.
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