 Yet with his two forward platoons still separated and unable to support each other, D Company was badly positioned for a defensive battle.10 Platoon had been prevented from engaging the VC attacking 11 Platoon, and was unable to support its withdrawal.Meanwhile, 11 Platoon had gone to ground in extended line following the initial contact, leaving its flanks vulnerable, while its aggressive push forward prior to the engagement also complicated the application of artillery support, which had to be switched to support each platoon as required rather than allowing it to be concentrated.