Aerial reconnaissance
The brigade continued its advance, and Green's battalion again took over the vanguard role on 29 October about from Chongju. Aerial reconnaissance indicated that a KPA force of around 500–600, supported by tanks and self-propelled guns (SPGs), had established well-constructed and camouflaged defensive positions on a thickly wooded ridgeline south of the town. A series of airstrikes was called in, and by 14:00 the USAF were claiming considerable success. With only a few hours of daylight left, Green ordered a battalion attack with D Company on the left of the road and A Company on the right, following an artillery bombardment.