 As Firebase Pike VI () took shape on the morning of 11 May, Mearns moved two batteries of 105mm howitzers and a battery of M109 howitzers into the perimeter.Mindful of the recent disaster at Maury, Means also sent engineers to construct earthen walls for all three batteries before evening fell.The preparations paid off later that night when the PAVN/VC bombarded the firebase with several hundred rounds of 82mm mortar fire.