 On 4 May, 33 Marines, along with of equipment and supplies, were lifted into Ngok Tavak by helicopters.Meanwhile, towards the end of April, the VC 1st Regiment received orders to leave their base and take positions in the valley on the west side of Ngok Tavak, and wait there for the attack signal.The 40th Battalion, commanded by Major Đặng Ngọc Mai, was to spearhead the assault.