 III MAF proceeded to plan a series of combined operations with ARVN forces that occurred from 18 to 26 May.Under Operation Hickory 3rd Marine Regiment advanced to the Bến Hải River.Under Operation Lam Son 54 the ARVN 1st Division advanced parallel to the 3rd Marines along Highway 1 while the amphibious Special Landing Force Alpha secured the coastline south of the Bến Hải River under Operation Beau Charger and Special Landing Force Bravo linked up with 3rd Marines under Operation Belt Tight.