This firebase was named for US Army Corporal John James Illingworth, a member of Alpha Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, posthumous recipient of the Silver Star.

[3] Twenty bunkers built into a 4 feet (1.2 m) high earthen berm formed the post's defenses, with Claymore mines placed outside the fortifications.

The ground assault targeted the northern end of the base, a sector manned by the reconnaissance platoon.

The PAVN knew exactly where they were, and within minutes one of the base's three mortar positions was in flames, apparently from a satchel charge thrown by a sapper.

With the help of 8-inch guns firing flechette rounds from Firebase Hannas 4 km to the south, as well as an orbiting AC–119 gunship, the platoon stabilized the situation.

[4]: 41 A sapper threw a charge near the ammunition supply in the howitzer position at the center of the base, and within minutes, fires threatened the entire area.

While the guns were silent, men from Company C moved forward and filled the gap along the northern perimeter.