On April 3, 1966, the battalion task force continued a detailed search of the area. Tunnel systems, supply caches and numerous booby traps were encountered. Enemy contact was light. Co B had an APC detonate a mine, the explosion of which ignited the gas tank, resulting in one Bobcat being killed and 4 wounded in the vicinity of XT 655270. Some of the men started referring to the area as the “Christmas Tree” because it was ‘decorated’ with so many booby traps and mines. On April 4, 1966, Company C returned to battalion control and Troop A, ¾ Cav went OPCON to the 1/69th Armor. Company C also reported that on April 3rd while OPCON to the 1/69th, they had 3 Bobcats killed and 13 wounded. The battalion continued its search and destroy mission in the area. A very large cache of polished rice was located along with several smaller ones in well concealed and booby-trapped areas. There were several skirmishes during the day resulting in one Bobcat killed. Among the wounded were 7 men who were badly burned when there was an internal explosion and fire on one of the 4.2 inch mortar tracks.