On 17 December, Nelson's 3rd Battalion—commanded by Lieutenant Colonel William C. Wright—advanced south of Hill 35 and began to climb toward Mount Austen's summit near Hills 20 and 21.
Den 17. december rykkede Nelsons 3. bataljon under oberstløjtnant William C. Wright frem syd for Hill 35 og begyndte at klatre op mod toppen af Mount Austen nær Hill 20 og Hill 21.