The two Marine companies were split in order to launch the attack from two directions. Thick jungle and rugged terrain slowed the advance of Company F, under Krulak, which was moving inland to adopt a flanking position, and it was still moving into position when firing broke out north of the village around 14:00.
The Marine units were split for an attack from two angles. Thick forest and challenging terrain impeded Company F, commanded by Krulak, as it moved inland to assume a flanking role, and it was still positioning itself when skirmishes began north of the village at approximately 14:00.