28 May: Orders were received that 1/27 would relieve 3/27 with a linkup at Liberty Bridge. Enroute to the bridge, 2nd Platoon, India Co ran into an NVA hornet nest in Cu Ban. A battle ensued and one tank was knocked out by RPGs. 9 Marines were killed and several more trapped in advanced positions. The Regimental CO then ordered 3/27 to continue to move to Liberty bridge, insisting that 1/27 would assist the trapped Marines and help recover the bodies. After much protesting by both 3/27 officers and men, the unit moved on towards their destination. Two Marines were awarded, posthumously, Silver Stars. The exchange of units was made in the afternoon during a heavy downpour of rain and India Company was ordered to remain with 1/27 until May 31. 1/27 did recover the missing and dead Marines later that day.

Eldridge, Wetzel Lonnie, PFC