This iconic photo of soldiers waiving the flag on top of De Castries bunker has been used so many times, but many failed to credit it to Triệu Đại, the war photographer who took the pictures at frontline as fighting was going on. Photo Triệu Đại

by Lady Borton 

HÀ NỘI — Another dreadful oversight, another mistake. But perhaps the mistake is forgivable if I correct it.

Several nights ago, I had coffee with National Women's Museum colleagues when their café was still open, although the Museum was closed. By good fortune, one of the staff mentioned the Museum's special exhibit for the 70th anniversary of the Điện Biên Phủ capaign.

"We're featuring Triệu Đại's photographs," she said.

"Triệu Đại!" I said, delighted, because I had used and credited several Triệu Đại photographs in the forthcoming VIỆT NAM'S PEOPLE'S WAR: Điện Biên Phủ and Beyond.

"Do you know his family?" I asked.

"Of course," she said.

Triệu Đại took this photo from quite a dangerous position as the pulling ropes used to snap and the artillery ran downhill and could crash him. Photo Triệu Đại

I returned during Museum hours to view this extraordinary, moving exhibit.

I was appalled.

I saw immediately that I had used many of the master's photographs without giving him credit. Thanks to the Museum staff, I am in touch with Triệu Đại's family and will arrange appropriate credit and permission.

I will correct my own mistake, but I also feel compelled to urge other writers and Việt Nam's publishers to credit Triệu Đại for his images.

De Castries and his men surrender as Việt Minh takes over Điện Biên Phủ. Photo Triệu Đại

Triệu Đại's oeuvre consists of over 2,000 images from the army's Border Campaign in 1950 through the French War, the American War, and afterwards. The army had  three Vietnamese photographers at Điện Biên Phủ, but the other two photographers worked outside the battle. Only Triệu Đại photographed inside from the Vietnamese perspective. Yet, so far, we have no book of Triệu Đại's photographs.

Triệu Đại's family has co-ordinated with the museum to select 70 images (for the 70th anniversary) from Triệu Đại's extraordinary work on exhibit at the Vietnamese Women's Museum, 36 Lý Thường Kiệt, everyday from 8am to 5pm until May 20. VNS