Turns 31-40
These turns are characterized by significant counterattacks by NVA units. They are shown on the map and they are in detail:
1-A two company sized counterattack, hitting the advancing elements of 1/147 marine battalion. The counterattack is defeated by massive amounts of artillery fire from 105mm and 155mm artillery. A T54 tank also aids in the counterattack, but it is knocked out by a side hit from a M72 LAW from the citadel, used by the marines of the 4/147 battalion.
2-Several platoon sized counterattacks hit the troops of 5/2TF paratrooper battalion. The close range of the combat means artillery and air force cannot be used efficiently (in fact one air strike that I used did more harm to my men than the enemy). The counterattacks by both NVA and VC units were eventually beaten by close quarters fighting (with many melee actions to boot) and suppressive fire from my sole surviving M113 ACAV (which used all of its Claymore mines, showing that it also fought up close and personal). This battle is the bloodiest from all formations of the ARVN, since only two combat effective platoons remain in the area (out of 4), but they do manage to repulse the attacks.
3-The last remaining platoon of the 5/2TF is attacked as well by a platoon sized element of the VC. They beat their opponents with the use of 60mm mortars and UH-1 gunships.
4-One platoon of the 1/1/2TF is attacked by a platoon sized element of the NVA. Aided by a Cobra flight, the ARVN paras prevail.
5-One counterattack by two platoons of NVA troops intending to recapture the western part of the bridges. They are beaten by 60mm mortar fire and small arms fire.
6-One counterattack by an NVA platoon. They manage to destroy one support squad, but accurate MG fire halts their advance.
In addition to the counterattacks, one platoon of the 7/2TF lands by helicopters at the northernmost edge and captures the objective there, while two platoons of the 4/147 assault the inner compound of the citadel. They are successful after brutal close range fighting, and they also eliminate the enemy HQ. NVA is severely demoralized after losing their command and the counterattacks are a failure.