The feats of the Vietnamese army’s engineers during wartime are
showcased in a little known museum in the capital city . The
Romans perfected the science of military engineering, entrusting
every soldier with a sword, spear as well as a shovel. But even
Hadrian’s Wall and the imperious Roman roads of Europe pale in
comparison to the work of the Vietnamese Army Engineers in the
Truong Son Mountains. The Army Corps of Engineers build and
maintain an infrastructure to allow the quick movement of
military forces. Their museum in Hanoi begins on the first floor
with the decisive battle of Dien bien phu The French position
was in a valley, surrounded by high ground that the Viet Minh
quickly fortified. A stunning photo of General Vo Nguyen Giap at
his headquarters in the mountains above the French stronghold
dramatically shows the rugged terrain behind him – craggy peaks
and a waterfall cutting the cliff in two. The trail carved into
the hills was used to transport the artillery pieces to the top
where they were du