The phase lines were named successively from south to north: ALBANY, BAKER, BUFFALO, CAIRO, and then a final objective line for OPERATION RIPPER. The operation began at 0800 on 7 March 1951. Reconnaissance Company, under Division control, began a motorized patrol at 0730 which took it to Moensong and then to the 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment lines at Oktong-ni. The Company proceeded forward on foot with the 2nd Platoon acting as the point element. At 0815 the point came under enemy fire from 60mm mortars and small arms. The Platoon returned the fire with unknown results.