The U.S. 18th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, commanded by Col. George A. Smith Jr., directed its 1st Battalion (commanded by Lt. Col. Henry G. Leonard, Jr.) to take the hill employing special pillbox assault teams equipped with flamethrowers, Bangalore torpedoes, and demolition charges.

A battery of tank destroyers and self-propelled guns were to provide supporting direct fire at the pillboxes.

The pinned-down soldiers also experienced an intense artillery barrage on their exposed positions.

[1] On 12 October, two German infantry regiments attempted to retake Crucifix Hill.

In fierce fighting, the Germans temporarily took control of the hill, but were dislodged by the end of the day with both regiments virtually destroyed.