VN holds State funeral for legendary general

General Vo Nguyen Giap

The State funeral will be held for the legendary general from October 11-13, according to the announcement released by the Office of the Party Central Committee on October 5.

General Giap was born on August 25, 1911 in Loc Thuy Commune, Le Thuy District, Quang Binh Province. 

General Giap is known as the eldest brother of the Viet Nam People’s Army and an outstanding student of President Ho Chi Minh.

As the first general of the Viet Nam People’s Army, Giap played a key command role in the Indochina War against the French colonialists (1946-1954) and the US imperialists (1960-1975).

He took part in various important military campaigns such as the Border Campaign Autumn-Winter (1950), Dien Bien Phu Campaign (1954), Mau Than Uprising Campaign (1968) and Ho Chi Minh Campaign (1975).

He was one of the most effective military commanders assisting President Ho Chi Minh during the wars and led the army to liberate the nation after Uncle Ho died in 1969.

Giap, a former history teacher and journalist, was also a member of the Politburo, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense and Commander-in-Chief of the Viet Nam People’s Army.

Here are some photos of general Giap's career:

General Vo Nguyen Giap and his fellow workers direct Tran Hung Dao campaign in 1950 - Photo: VNA

General Giap inspects battlefield - Photo: VNA

General Giap reports the progress of Dien Bien Phu campaign to President Ho Chi Minh - Photo: VNA

Viet Minh waving flag above De Castries' bunker to celebrate Dien Bien Phu victory

General Giap visits Dien Bien Phu on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of Dien Bien Phu victory - Photo: VNA

By Hai Minh