Later the Old Fox would defend his initial planning by saying the 7th of the 402d had circled the valley on the first morning and no major enemy units broke out of the trap thus nothing was lost. The argument would be purely academic. The plan had evolved and by the 24th the final squeeze had begun. Bravo Company closed down from the east, Charlie Company from the west. At first light 25 August both companies were stalled in defensive positions with wounded. Delta Company descended the north ridge quickly under the direct leadership of the GreenMan. By first light Delta had closed off the enemy highway below the ridge and was advancing into Alpha’s old AO. During the night Recon had descended the southern cliffs. First light found them disoriented and attempting to regroup among the mounds
