The security force now has time to close the gate. Additional MP's respond and defend the compound. The assault collapses and the enemy retreats back to the Long Hoa Pagoda. Nguyen Van Muoi drives a black Citroen sedan past the six story American Embassy on Thong Nhut Blvd. He carried a samuri sword in the back seat for luck.
Mortar fire drops into city.
Muoi drives by again. A Peugeot truck and a taxicab drive west on Thong Nhut Boulevard along the south wall of the four acre compound and stop. The sappers begin unloading weapons and equipment as others step out from the shadows. At the Embassy rear fence Commandos appear in civies and black pajamas, with red armbands. Part of the commando team attacks the side gate.