THIS STUDY EXPLORES THE HISTORICAL EVOLUTION OF FRENCH RIVERINE FORCES IN VIETNAM DURING THE FIRST INDOCHINA WAR, 1946-1954. THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE NAVAL ASSAULT DIVISION, MORE COMMONLY REFERRED TO AS THE DINASSAUT PRESAGED THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE U.S. NAVY'S OWN BROWN WATER FLEETS IN VIETNAM, TASK FORCES 116 AND 117. THE LESSONS OF THESE NAVIES IN TWO INDOCHINA WARS HAVE PASSED QUIETLY INTO THE RECORD. RENEWED INTEREST IN RIVERINE OPERATIONS HAS OVERLOOKED THE CONTRIBUTION OF THE FRENCH EXPERIENCE.