On 15 April 1969 the 173rd Airborne Brigade assumed a new task in the four northern districts of Bình Định Province with the mission of conducting operations in support of South Vietnamese Government pacification.

Simultaneously, the units began conducting active night patrolling in an attempt to eliminate infiltration and movement by the VC infrastructure.

The Brigade’s mission was to conduct reconnaissance operations in the An Lão Valley and to interdict the movement of the People’s Army of Vietnam (PAVN) 2nd Regiment, 3rd Division across the boundary.

[1]: 14 On 3 February 1970, in anticipation of PAVN/VC action for Tết elements of 3/506th commenced reconnaissance-in-force operations in the high ground adjacent to My Binh Hamlet, Tam Quan District (14°30′58″N 109°03′11″E / 14.516°N 109.053°E / 14.516; 109.053).

The unit found an extensive cave complex while battling the 8th Battalion and other supporting elements of the PAVN 22nd Regiment which were discovered in attack positions on Hill 474 in Tam Quan District.

[1]: 14 Operation Washington Green III was initiated on 18 February to provide more flexibility in meeting the changing situation.

The task force was made up of elements of the 3/503rd consisting of a command group, a reinforced rifle company of six platoons, 4.2in mortar section, and three tubes of 105mm artillery.