The next morning, the Marines in Bravo Company are still trapped in their defensive position with little sign of reinforcements coming to the rescue because of the dense fog above. What little water is left is being saved for the wounded soldiers. The rest of the men try to collect condensation on their ponchos, which they lick habitually. Godwin takes a few men to recover the killed soldiers who were standing post the night before. It’s a dangerous mission, but they return unscathed.

They spend the rest of the day pensively waiting for an NVA attack. Fantasies of escape pass through Mellas’s mind. He imagines running away during the next attack and taking what ammunition and food he has and making a break for VCB. Although he knows that he will not bring these uncourageous plans to fruition, he dwells on them anyway just to stay sane.

Finally the fog lifts. The resupply helicopters are immediately ordered to Bravo Company’s position, but as the men are now in plain sight, they begin to receive mortar attacks from the nearby NVA troops. The shells come rocketing in, and every man dives for cover in his hole. A little later, the fog closes in again, and the helicopters have not yet arrived. Unable to see the landing zone, they turn around and head back to the base.

Back at base, the battalion commanders try to decide what to do next. Simpson complains that his entire operation is being ruined by poor weather. Someone suggests dropping another company nearby and having them march to Helicopter Hill, but Hawke explains that the foliage is so thick that it will take nearly three days for them to reach Bravo Company. Later, Mulvaney and Hawke meet at a bar. Mulvaney offers Hawke the command of Bravo Company if he agrees to become a full-time marine.

That night, the NVA makes its attack. They have taken the radio from some shot Marines and taunt the men over the air. Mellas orders a new radio frequency immediately. The Marines are able to hold the NVA back, but by the time the battle is over, Bravo Company is nearly out of ammunition. Huddled up in his hole, Mellas realizes that if they aren’t relieved soon, they will have to resort to using their knives, and they will likely all die. Later in the day, Fitch brings news of their reinforcements. Both companies are nearby but are trooping in. Charlie Company, which has landed just south of them, has run into a gun battle with the enemy, so it could still be a while before they are relieved.