During the Battle of Dien Bien Phu, an operation called Operation Vulture was proposed which would involve the rescue of French forces by American troops while simultaneously beginning with an airstrike that would reverse the tendency. for the French (Prados). Unfortunately for the French, Operation Vautour was not approved (Waite). The United States wanted British support in its rescue of French forces, but British chiefs of staff and several key figures were skeptical that airstrikes could destroy the Viet Minh's well-entrenched positions. around the Dien Bien Phu (Waite) valley. . As a result, Operation Vautour was rejected and the French were left to their fate at Dien Bien..