Title
The Angel of Dien Bien Phu: The Lone French Woman at the Decisive Battle for Vietnam,Used
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Genevive de Galard was a flight nurse for the French Air Force who received the name of the 'Angel of Dien Bien Phu' during the French war in Indochina. She volunteered for French Indochina and arrived there in May 1953, in the middle of the war between French forces and the Vietminh. Galard was stationed in Hanoi and flew on casualty evacuation flights from Pleiku. After January 1954 she was on the flights that evacuated casualties from the Battle of Dien Bien Phu. Her first patients were mainly soldiers who suffered from diseases but after midMarch most of them were battle casualties. Sometimes Red Cross planes had to land in the midst of Vietminh artillery barrages.On March 27, 1954, when a Red Cross C47 with Galard aboard tried to land at night on the short runway of Dien Bien Phu, the landing overshot and the plane's left engine was seriously damaged. The mechanics could not repair the plane in the field, so the plane was stranded. At daylight Vietminh artillery destroyed the C47 and damaged the runway beyond repair. Galard went to a field hospital under command of doctor Paul Grauwin and volunteered her services as a nurse. Although the men of the medical staff were initially apprehensive she was the only woman in the base they eventually made accommodations for her. They also arranged a semblance of uniform; camouflage overalls, trousers, basketball shoes, and a tshirt. Galard did her best in very unsanitary conditions, comforting those about to die and trying to keep up morale in the face of the mounting casualties. Many of the men later complimented her efforts.On the 29th of April 1954 Genevivee de Galard was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Lgion dHonneur and the Croix de Guerre. It was presented to her by the commander of Dien Bien Phu, General de Castries. The following day, during the celebration of the French Foreign Legion's annual 'Camerone', de Galard was made an honorary 'Legionnaire de 1re classe' alongside Lieutenant Colonel Marcel Bigeard, the commander of the 6th Colonial Parachute Battalion.French troops at Dien Bien Phu finally capitulated on May 7. However, the Vietminh allowed Galard and the medical staff continue to care for their wounded. Galard still refused any kind of cooperation. When some of the Vietminh begun to hoard medical supplies for their own use, she hid some of them under her stretcher bed. On May 24, Gnevieve de Galard was evacuated to Frenchheld Hanoi, partially against her will.The American press gave her the name ' Angel of Dien Bien Phu.' She was given a tickertape parade up Broadway, a standing ovation in Congress. On 29 July 1954 President Eisenhower awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom during a ceremony in the White House Rose Garden. She currently lives in Paris with her husband.
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- Q: What is the page count of the book? A: The book contains two hundred eight pages. It provides an in-depth look at Geneviève de Galard's experiences during the Vietnam War.
- Q: What are the dimensions of the book? A: The book measures six point twenty-six inches in length, zero point seventy-five inches in width, and nine point twenty-five inches in height. These dimensions make it a manageable size for reading.
- Q: What type of binding does the book have? A: The book is bound in hardcover. This durable binding helps protect the pages and ensures longevity.
- Q: How can I read this book? A: You can read this book by purchasing it and finding a comfortable spot. The engaging narrative provides insight into the historical context of the Vietnam War.
- Q: Is this book suitable for young readers? A: The book is suitable for older teens and adults. Its themes of war and personal sacrifice may not be appropriate for younger children.
- Q: What themes are explored in the book? A: The book explores themes of courage, sacrifice, and the role of women in war. Geneviève de Galard's story highlights the human side of conflict.
- Q: How should I care for the book? A: To care for the book, store it upright on a shelf and avoid exposure to direct sunlight. This will help preserve the cover and pages.
- Q: Can I clean the book if it gets dirty? A: Yes, you can gently wipe the cover with a dry cloth. Avoid using water or cleaning solutions as they may damage the pages.
- Q: What is the return policy for this book? A: The return policy allows for returns within a specified period if the book is in its original condition. Check the retailer's guidelines for specific details.
- Q: What should I do if the book arrives damaged? A: If the book arrives damaged, contact customer service for assistance. They can help you with return or exchange options.
- Q: Is there a warranty on the book? A: Books typically do not come with a warranty. However, check with the retailer for their specific policies regarding defects.
- Q: How does this book compare to others in the genre? A: This book stands out in the Vietnam War genre for its personal narrative and focus on a female perspective, making it unique compared to other historical accounts.
- Q: Is this book a good choice for history enthusiasts? A: Yes, this book is an excellent choice for history enthusiasts. It provides a nuanced view of a pivotal moment in Vietnam's history.
- Q: What age group is this book intended for? A: This book is intended for readers aged sixteen and older. Its content may be more suitable for mature audiences.
- Q: Does the book include photos or illustrations? A: The book does not include photos or illustrations, focusing instead on the text to convey Geneviève de Galard's story.
- Q: Can I find this book in libraries? A: Yes, many libraries carry this book, especially those with strong collections in military history and women's studies.