in conjunction with that attack PAVN forces cut Route 9 between Cam Lộ Combat Base and Khe Sanh repeatedly in an attempt to isolate the Marines in that area.

In concert with this effort the PAVN attacked Gio Linh, Camp Carroll and Dong Ha with mortars rockets and artillery.

[1]: 21 At 03:00 on 8 May some 300 rounds of mortar and artillery fire hit Con Thien, while PAVN sappers with Bangalore torpedoes breached the perimeter wire.

Fierce hand-to-hand combat along the perimeter by the outnumbered Marines eventually led to repelling the initial attacking forces.

The PAVN revealed the degree and sophistication of its buildup in the area on 10 May by the destruction of a Marine A-4E Skyhawk flying a radar-controlled mission near the southern boundary of the DMZ.

As the jet approached its target, Marines saw 3 surface to air missiles (SAM) fired from positions north of the Bến Hải River.

[1]: 23  Marine and Army of the Republic of Vietnam 1st Division forces then launched Operations Hickory/Lam Son 54/Beau Charger into the southern DMZ.

[1]: 23–30 At the conclusion of Operation Hickory, all participating units joined Prairie IV sweeping Leatherneck Square and the area southwest of Con Thien.

Companies M and L attacked the complex but were forced back by small arms, machine guns, 57mm recoilless rifle and 82mm mortars for the loss of 2 Marines killed and 21 wounded.