Volume III picks up right where the previous volume concluded, beginning with The Franco-Thai War. The narrative provides an in-depth account of the French involvement, particularly highlighting the role of the 3rd Battalion of the 5th Foreign Legion Infantry Regiment in the counter-offensive against formidable Thai forces that had the advantage of tanks and air superiority. The Battle of Phum Preave is described with great clarity, showcasing how the 3e Bataillon managed to hold back significant enemy forces before withdrawing shortly before the conclusion of the war. The following sections of the book examine the anti-communist measures and the political actions undertaken by Admiral Jean Decoux in collaboration with Japanese and Allied officials in a concerted, though inevitably ineffective, bid to ensure Indochina remained neutral and safeguarded from Japanese aggression. Ultimately, Decoux was unsuccessful, and the Japanese invaded Indochina, while Decoux had to contend with Gaullists who were sabotaging his attempts to maintain neutrality. The Japanese undermined Decoux's impartial stance, culminating in the catastrophic event on March 9, 1945, referred to as Meigō Sakusen or Operation Bright Moon. Subsequently, a wave of harsh measures and what appeared to be unending Japanese atrocities against French and Indochinese troops occurred, as the incredulous French attempted, without success, to initiate doux espoir, or Sweet Hope, their pre-planned countermeasure against the Japanese onslaught. Following that, they undertook a challenging 1,600-kilometre retreat across the brutal mountains and impenetrable jungles of northern Tonkin, plagued by relentless Japanese forces, until they arrived safely in China. With 55 photos and four maps.