[1] An Hòa was located southeast of a major Vietcong (VC)/People's Army of Vietnam (PAVN) base area known as the Arizona Territory across the Vu Gia River.

[2]: 204–10 In August 1966 the Marines completed the construction of the MSR (main supply route) between Da Nang and An Hòa, naming it the "Liberty Road".

Combined Action Platoon (CAP) 2-9-1, positioned in the hamlet of Mau Chanh (2), about a kilometer east of the base, lay in the path of the attack.

The CAP Marines and their South Vietnamese Popular Force (PF) counterparts took the PAVN/VC flanks and rear under fire, calling for air and artillery support.

[4] Marine PFC Dan Bullock, the youngest American serviceman killed in action in the Vietnam War died at An Hòa on 7 June 1969.