The firebase was to be used to support Operation Chicago Peak, a planned offensive by the 101st Airborne to destroy PAVN supply bases in the A Shau Valley.

Their plan to destroy FSB Ripcord, a key part of Operation Texas Star, took this superiority into account.

Knowing the importance of the upcoming battle, 324B Division Commander Chu Phuong Doi personally led the 1st Regiment to scout the areas surrounding Ripcord and high points where U.S. forces often stationed or landed troops.

The altitude and direction of helicopters entering and exiting Ripcord was observed; fortifications and retreat planning made; and efforts to arrange firepower to both attack and control, decreasing the mobility of U.S. forces prepared.

The reliance on helicopters for moving and supplying troops was identified as a potential "Achilles heel" that the PAVN planned to exploit.

Nearby on the next day, the night defensive position of the 2/506th was attacked by elements of the 803rd Regiment using Rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs), small arms fire and satchel charges.

[5] Losses of U.S. forces were so great that officers began asking for volunteers from other units to go to Ripcord and reinforce the firebase.

When contact terminated, U.S. casualties were three killed (including the commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel Andre Lucas and the S-3).