During the War of the flags that preceded the signing of the Paris Peace Accords on 27 December 1972 the Division launched a spoiling attack against the PAVN 711th Division's base in Hiệp Đức District. Deep penetrations were made in the first few days and the I Corps Commander, Lt. Gen. Trưởng, sought to exploit the early success by detaching the 51st Infantry Regiment from the 1st Division and on 3 January sent it to reinforce the Division. On 16 January the Division commander Maj. Gen. Hinh, committed the 51st Regiment to continue the attack to seize the former Firebase West on Hill 1460 (15°35′06″N 108°11′35″E﻿ / ﻿15.585°N 108.193°E﻿ / 15.585; 108.193) guarding the eastern approach to Hiệp Đức District.[6]: 548 The 51st was able to advance only part way up Hill 1460 and could not dislodge the PAVN infantry holding the crest.