Towards the end of 1964, the VC commenced a series of large-scale military operations against the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN). As part of their Winter-Spring Offensive, the VC unleashed its newly created 9th Division against the ARVN forces at Bình Giã, fighting a large set-piece battle for the first time. Over a period of four days, the PAVN 9th Division held its ground and mauled the best units the ARVN could send against them, only breaking after intense attack by U.S. bombers.