[1]: 130 On the morning of 15 November three companies of the 3rd Battalion, 47th Infantry Regiment, were lifted by helicopters into the southern part of the Kien Giang zone to secure a firebase.

The companies established Firebase Cudgel (10°25′11″N 105°59′28″E / 10.4198°N 105.991°E / 10.4198; 105.991) in swampy rice paddy at the intersection of the So Bay Canal and the Ong Tai Creek.

[1]: 131 On the morning of 16 November, 3 battalions from the ARVN 7th Infantry Division were landed by helicopter along the Ton Duc Loc Canal, the northern boundary of the Kien Giang zone and began sweeping south with artillery support from Firebases Cudgel and Mace.

[1]: 132 At 01:50 on 18 November the base was hit by mortar fire and a company from the VC 263rd Battalion attacked the reconnaissance platoon south of the Ong Tai Creek.

VC recoilless rifle fire hit a howitzer from Battery C igniting the powder charges stored near the weapon and wounded the entire crew.

[1]: 135 This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Army Center of Military History.