The Diary of Sgt. Harry S.

Hedstrom While on Guadalcanal December 8, 1942 March 31, 1943 The 68th Fighter Squadron

Written by: H.S. Hedstrom

Arrival on Guadalcanal
December 8, 1942, day 1 We arrived at the Solomon Islands at 5:00am in the morning and disembarked at 5:30am. The rest of the day, we were unloading the supplies and ammunition off the ship. Our outfit had to make sure the 105mm shells were unloaded from the landing boat. Those shells sure were heavy. We moved out to our area in the evening hours, it took quite a long time to get to our destination, we really did not know the island layout, and it was dark. We had to sleep ten men to a tent, but it worked out all right. The Marines kept telling us all kinds of stories about how the Japs and their bombing and shellings that have occurred here since they landed, days before us. We settled in for the night, and tried to get some sleep. December 9, 1942, day 2. Upon awaking, I was told I would be part of the unloading detail, when the trucks came in from the beach. It was very heavy work, and on top of that, we had to handle some of the boxes twice. They brought in all kinds of stuff that did not belong to our squad. It was Candy, 45mm ammunitions, and rations. That night, we had a scare when D-rack McLeod thought he heard a Jap Bomber flying overhead, but it turned out to be one of the Navys aircraft out on patrol. Some of the fellows felt very foolish, because they had their flashlights out shining all over the place. You cannot tell some of them anything; they are all such authorities on what the enemy aircraft sound like, and the difference between theirs and ours. December 10, 1942, day 3. We had to use another day, unloading ammunition and supplies for our squadron. We could have done it all in one day if we had the trucks to do it with. We only had four or five trucks, and there was more equipment than there were ways to haul it to our destination. That and it took time to get the equipment from the beach to our camp. We were told to take this medication to prevent Malaria, here in the Pacific Islands, it is a common disease. During the afternoon we were on condition Red, for they had picked up an enemy aircraft about 26 miles out, but nothing came of it. When it occurred, we all quit work until the word came to stand down, alls clear. December 11, 1942, day 4. Today was KP duty all day today, which consisted of building fires under G.I. cans used to wash mess kits in and to clean the food receptacles when the meals were over. In the afternoon, I dug a little on the garbage pit, which was not difficult to dig, but it was so hot in the sun. I went swimming in the river to rinse the dirt off and cool off a bit. Evening chow was late, so didnt get through till after dark and then went to bed. One of the fellows in My tent thought he heard a Jap in back of our tent in the brush, but it turned out to be a small animal of some sort, for it went away. I had My gun ready in case of such a thing, for they (Japs) are known for coming through the lines and appearing around camp areas. December 12, 1942, day 5. This morning the Japs tried to get supplies in to the few thousand troops, that are still on this island. They send barges and rafts made out of gas tanks. The gas tanks contained rice, but our pilots sank the rafts and only one barge got in. We worked all day, cleaning the grounds to put up tents. More men will be moving in our camp later today. A two-man was sighted three miles off some point, of which I was unable to get the name of, by Lt. E. L. Norris while out on patrol. Our camp has grown by one hundred more men to help in taking care of the aircraft and the airstrip. Mail came in today, but I have not received any yet, however, there should be some packages on their way. December 13, 1942, day 6. We were unable to get much sleep last night, due to washing machine Charlie came over around 10:00pm and dropped three bombs in the bay. The searchlights picked him up, but he was too high for the guns to do any damage to his aircraft. At 2:00am this morning, the Japs came through the lines, sabotaged one aircraft, and one gas truck with dynamite, but failed on a plane and another gas truck. Sgt. Fochtman and I pulled out a couple of planes that were stuck in the sand along the airstrip, with the aid of the Cle-trac. The rest of the morning was spend in digging a foxhole in the side of a Coral hill and it was tough going because the coral was so hard, it wasnt easy to do anything with. We are expecting a big raid tonight, which will consist of bombing and shelling by the enemy. Have a lot to do on the foxhole, will get it done sometime in the near future. Two enemy planes came over in the night, and dropped a couple of bombs, and then some supplies for their troops. Our artillery fired round after round of shells into the Jap lines, which kept us awake most of the night. December 14, 1942, day 7. Did very little today, but help with a tent that needed to be put up for the engineering department, but it had to come down because they had to move. I did help take some belly tanks out to four of our planes for they were going out on patrol. Seven of out planes were on a bombing raid with 5oo pounders. The artillery let loose this afternoon for a spell and I could hear the shells as they passed overhead, but could not see them. Ill probably get my sleep interrupted again tonight because of Washing-Machine Charlie but other wise it wont be so bad as long as he keeps missing our location. December 15, 1942, day 8 Had a good nights rest, for Charlie never came over but the artillery fired a few rounds to keep the Japs thinking. We lost two planes yesterday and one pilot. The pilot bailed out but landed in enemy territory. The other plane crashed on the runway when the landing gear gave way, but the pilot walked away uninjured. This morning I worked at hauling and handling boxes for engineering because they had to move again. More of the same work this afternoon. I have just finished bathing and right now it is raining. I Sure hope it keeps raining, for Charlie wont be able to come over. Washed a

pair of socks, pair of coveralls and a khaki shirt but dont know how clean I got them. The main purpose was to get the sweaty smell out of them. December 16, 1942 day 9 Last night Charlie came over and dropped a few bombs and one was a dud. We heard it coming through the air, but never did hear it explode. He had us guessing for and hour or so afterwards and we werent able to get any sleep for we were in and out of the bomb shelter. Towards suppertime last night, we lost a P-38 and a pilot. He was shot down but landed in the ocean. The last that He was seen he was in the water with a shark going towards him. A transport plane( C-47) went out to drop him a raft and it went into the ocean as well, for it run out of fuel. The Japs are sneaking through our lines and we have to be on the alert at all times for there are snipers. This morning I didnt do much; bet went out on the cle-trac and put air in Oleo Struts for one P-39 and two Grumann fighters. This afternoon I disassembled a 50-caliber machine gun, cleaned all the parts and oiled them, then put it together again. I go on guard duty tonight from 11 to 2. December 17, 1942, Day 10 Charlie didnt come around last night for there were Navy planes in the air almost all night long. All day I worked in the ordinance, cleaning 30 caliber machine guns used in the P-39s. Our pilots bombed the enemy today with depth bombs and started great fires in a native village where the Japs have a concentration. The artillery was at it again today with 105 and 155mm cannons. They are close to the field and we get all the concussion from the reports when they fire. I completed the day with a good bath and feel better now. December 18, 1942, Day 11 Today I put up a fly over my welding shop. My place is all fixed up and will start welding soon. Charlie didnt come over last night, had a good nights sleep. At chow tonight the field guns fired volley after volley or shells up into the hills where the Japs are located. This finishes the day, so will close for now. December 19,1942, Day 12 This morning started making a table to weld on, but got called off that to fix the hoist on the truck. Would have finished today, but was called off that and put to work helping lay matting in one revetment. Have had a helper assigned to me to help out, so I dont have to run after everything myself. Not much excitement except the field guns were at it again. Charlie didnt come over last night, so had a good nights sleep. December 20, 1942, Day 13 Did welding today and did a couple of jobs. Completed welding on the hoist, welded a piece that was broken and is used on a generator engine, silver soldered a tubing together and made a table for me to work on. Have to make a tail jack for a P-39 tomorrow. No excitement today and it is over now. December 21, 1942, Day 14 Today I made a tail stand for use on P-39 airplanes and also welded a piece to the hoist beam that is a stationary one for the use of repairing planes. Some of our pilots left this morning for New Caledonia to rest up. Some new pilots have taken their places, some came in yesterday and some this morning. Some of our planes went on a dive-bombing mission this morning with 500 lb. Bombs and depth charges. A truck blew up, killing eight men and injuring some more. The fellows and the truck were of another outfit. December 22, 1942, Day 15 Another day finished and i was kept busy welding. I worked a while after supper. For the Cle-Trac, I made a rack to carry oxygen bottles, fixed the tow bar and a rack to hang it on. I repaired a small piece on the winch. Last night we were routed out of bed because Charlie came over again. He dropped a few bombs, none near us, and went on his merry way. December 23, 1942, Day 16 No welding so drove the Cle-Trac around the field and did the necessary things that it is used for. Went over to the ammunition dump with a bomb dolly and picked up a few thousand founds of machine gun ammunition. Nine P-40ks and f4fs came in, four were flown by our pilots (Lt.s Mosely, Lynch, Webb, and Norton). One P-40 was lost at sea with some kind of trouble, but I dont know exactly what. Havent felt so good today due to cramps in my stomach. I took two doses of medicine to curb it. I slept all night, no disturbances. December 24,1942, Day 17 Today helped start on the Quonset hut to be put as a day room for enlisted men. The fighter planes went out and shot down 21 Zeros at New Georgia Island without a loss of planes or pilots. December 25, 1942, Day 18 Christmas day and all was quiet with not much work to do. We had our big meal at suppertime. Turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberries, celery, bread, mince pie, fig pudding, apples, oranges, candy and a chocolate drink. Day is done, so will sign off. December 26,1942, Day 19 The day was spent working, making a hood for the Cle-Trac to keep sun and rain off the operator. I also did a lot of cutting on a bomb trailer, making it shorter. Had to quit early for a big rain came up and lasted for and hour and a half, which made it very muddy. I am on guard from 11 to 2 tonight.

December 27,1942, Day 20 Another day finished and was spent welding. Finished the trailer, fixed tow bars for P-40s, brazed a crank for an oil pump and welded a bracket. Lt. Hansen smashed up his sixth plane tonight and walked away from it without a scratch. The engine quit on him on the takeoff and the plane was completely demolished. A Grumann cracked up this morning and the pilot wasnt injured. Twenty-six planes went on a dive bombing mission this morning, 14 p-39s and 12 S.B.D.s (Navy planes), but dont know outcome. Received two letters from Libby dated November 25 and 26. December 28, 1942, Day 21 Couple of welding jobs completed. A P-39 cracked up this evening when the right strut broke off when landing, but it can be repaired with another wing and strut. Just after that, a Grumann ground looped and demolished the plane, the pilot came out with just a cut on his hand. The folly came in right handy for it was used to pull the plane off the runway. A P40 hopped a Grumann but no damage was done. December 29, 1942, Day 22 The day is completed for me, but there are others that will have to service the planes as they come in , with gas, oil and ammunition. I have started rebuilding another trailer for armament to be used for carrying ammunition. There are rumors to the effect that the Japs are evacuating the island, for the line is getting further away from the airstrip, it is nine miles to the line, to date. Have another change in A.P.O number, from 502 to 709. B-17 Flying Fortresses sank two Japanese transports but dont know of anything else. No mishaps on the field today for either Navy or Marine planes. December 30, 1942, Day 23 Cut down and fixed the trailer for armament but just remembered I have some more work to do on it. Helped fix up the tent that Hilgendorf, Stilwell and I are moving into after it quits raining, for it is raining now and making it sloppy and muddy. Not much activity for the planes today but they did take up a few 500 pounders, results of the mission were unknown to me. All our packages are in the New Hebrides and they will be sent to us on the next ship coming this way. December 31, 1942, Day 24 Another day finished and with three plane crack-ups. A-P-39 taking off flew into a P-38 that had cut into the way. The P39 burnt up but the pilot got out with only a few burns on his hands. The P-38 will be used for plane parts for we dont have the equipment to repair it. A Grumann cracked up when the engine cut out on take off, rolled over the end of the runway and trough tree stumps, plane unusable. I operated the Cle-Trac this morning and this afternoon. I had to help enlarging a foxhole for the officers, so that it will hold fifteen to twenty officers. A lot more has to be dug and the enlisted men will be doing it. January 1, 1943, Day 25 I am making a movable tail stand for bringing in wrecked planes from off the runway. Last-night we lost another P-39 that went into the drink, dont know the outcome of the pilot. Was at a picture show this evening, which was showing Bob Burns in Im from Missouri but never got to see it all because the condition red was sounded. January 2, 1943, Day 26 Last-night had trouble getting to sleep because of an obstacle in my eye. I went over to the hospital to have it removed. It turned out to be a piece of slag and was embedded in the eyeball. Saw a fellow that had been brought back from the front line because he had been shot through the throat. The doctors in this war are doing a wonderful job in saving the lives of so many men. Taking it easy the rest of the day so that my eye heals up before going on with my various welding jobs. Went out to the other end of the field to bring in a plane bet instead refilled the oxygen tanks on a P-40. Another Grumann almost crashed when a tire blew out before he took off, but the pilot swerved out of the way so that another could take off. January 3, 1943, Day 27 Some reports given for yesterday that one of four Grumanns came back with the pilot all shot up. They had encountered fifteen Zeros. Charlie came over last night and stayed around for a couple of hours, in which we lost that much sleep. He dropped a few bombs but none were close. Last night, also ten Jap destroyers were sighted coming this way, but were intercepted by our Navy. Have finished the moveable tail stand and am now working on making a bed on another small bomb dolly for hauling ammunition around the field. B-26s and P-39s went to New Georgia on a bombing raid with the results of nine Zeros bombed on their field and the loss of one B-26. B-17s and P-38s went to Bougainville for the same purpose but dont know the outcome of the raid. A P-38 clipped the wingtip of another 38, which means a new tip will have to be replaced. The day is completed and I am going to church services in the dayroom. P-38 Lightning January 4, 1943, Day 28 Have finished the ammunition cart for armament and they were well pleased. Fixed the boiler for the water still, put a hook on the Cle-trac so that tow bars for p-40s can hook to it, that was broken off by me. I also welded one of the Lts bolo knives back together and the rest of the day driving the Cle-trac. The B-17s with P-38s as escorts have gone on a bombing run to Bougainville while the B-26s and P-39s are going to Buna, which is in New Georgia. P-38s sighted a Jap transport. All the planes came back okay. January 5, 1943, Day 29 I was on guard duty from 2 till 6 this morning. At 5 this morning the Grumanns went out on Patrol but one plane crashed before he left the ground when his engine cut out. The plane is a total wreck and the pilot was injured with a gash across

his forehead and was taken to the hospital. The plane snapped in two behind the cockpit putting the tail under the right wing. Went to bed at 6:30 and got up at 11, ate dinner, then did a little welding job. I then went back to the tent and laid down because I had a splitting headache and slept till 4. Six new p-38s came in to replace the ones we lost or wrecked. January 6, 1943, Day 30 A report on yesterdays happenings is that two P-38s were lost when six of them were outnumbered by Zeros. Grumanns got four bombers and seven Zeros were knocked down by the p-38s. In My welding shop today I fixed new loops for the P-40 tow bars and then fixed a spanner wrench for the Marines. No excitement today that I know of but the news may come in later. January 7, 1943, Day 31 I drove the Cle-Trac all day because the other driver was on camp detail. Filled planes oxygen tanks, pulled planes off the line to engineering hole and pulled a couple of trucks out of the sand. One B-26 and a P-39 were lost this afternoon. The P-39 was on a dive-bombing mission and went into the drink. One B-26 of which the crew of seven bailed out but the pilot stayed with it and brought it in on one engine. The pilot of the P-39 was picked up by a PT boat. January 8, 1943, Day 32 During the morning I drove the Cle-Trac, for it was My day for detail but didnt have to work on any camp detail. This afternoon I saw all guns fired on a P-39. They have four 30cals, two 50cals, and a 37mm cannon. They were fired so that the signal Photographer could take some pictures of them, which resulted in getting two good pictures of them. Tried using gun powder to blast out a hole four our foxhole but to no avail. Most of the P-39s have gone up to New Georgia for the purpose of strafing seven enemy transports in that area. SBDs went up as dive-bombers, which should do the business of destroying the enemy. I am going swimming in the ocean and then to a show. January 9, 1943, Day 33 Not much welding but I did make a stand for our boiling pot for washing clothes. I repaired a can opener for the kitchen of another outfit. Five P-40s, six P-38s and four P-39s went out on a strafing mission to Bakato Bay. I just had to pull out a Major who had taxied into a mud hole. P-39s are being loaded with depth charges for a dive-bombing mission, soon.

January 10, 1943, Day 34 Twelve P-39s and twelve S.B.D.s went out early this morning to dive bomb on enemy territory in the hills. The artillery fired round after round before and during the time the planes were up. There was a big push was started this morning and has advanced a mile and a half. I received one package from home. Today I started making a tow bar for P-38s, also fixed a broken rod on a rock crusher for the Marines. Going to church this evening and after that will write a letter, telling of receiving this package. January 11, 1943, Day 35 Four bombs were dropped last night by Charlie before the air raid warning was sounded. He is always aiming for the bomber strip, which is quite a ways from here. Another alert was given at 3:15 am this morning but there was nothing to it. This morning we had two crack-ups, one a Grumann that nosed over and the other a P-40, when his left gear gave way while landing. A few planes went out on a dive- bombing mission. Our planes ran into Zeros up at Buna. I worked on the tow bar for the P-38s but have some more to be done on it. Mail from home. I worked on the generator tonight for it wouldnt run, but finally got it going after getting the water out of it. Finished my gun handles and made a heart out of plexi--glass. January 12, 1943, Day 36 This morning I finished the tow bar and then made a few changes on a couple of Springfield rifles for some infantry boys. An addition of an automatic rifle clip to a Springfield rifle makes it possible to carry twenty-five rounds of ammunition instead of the usual five. Around three to five thousand Japs were killed, when bombs and depth charges were dropped by our planes while they were trapped in a valley. At noon, planes from this field went on an important mission, which I believe was for strafing the enemy on the other end of the island. I fixed another rifle; fellow gave me three bucks for doing it. I never charged him for it bet he said it was worth that much to him. January 13, 1943, Day 37 I worked all day in the welding shop fixing guns for the infantry outfit going to the front tomorrow. I get up at five this morning for towing a P-38 from the bomber strip to our area. P-39s, B-26s and S.B.D.s went to New Georgia on a divebombing mission. Today I am fixing the legs on a pilots seat for Colonel McNeese. Have another big job to do in the morning. January 14, 1943, Day 38 Finished purring legs on the pilot seat this morning and then made two connections for a shutoff valve for a water line. This afternoon I started making the framework for a cast for the prop shop. A Grumann cracked up this afternoon when the landing gear gave way, but ended up off the runway. I am going to a show this evening to see two films. January 15, 1943, Day 39 Had a bombing last night, which lasted for quite a while. Three planes came over at about 45-minute intervals and dropped 8 bombs each time. I was at the show when eight bombs were dropped but they were aimed for the bomber strip, which was lucky for us, for a hit in our show, area would have taken the lives of around 3,000 men. The last time

over, the bombs were landing in the cocoanut grove across form the fighter strip, killing a few men and injuring quite a few others. A cloudy night and could not be picked up by searchlights. This morning, B-17s and P-40s as escort went to Bougainville on a bombing mission. There was a lot of action early this morning up on the lines with the big guns. Three P-39s, three Grumanns were knocked down between here and Bougainville. One Grumann cracked up when a tire blew out before take off. Two Jap destroyers were sunk by the S.B.D.s. The framework for a cast for the prop shop is completed. On the last mission for the day, the P-40s shot down 10 Zeros and the P-39s got three more. Lt. Huff* got 3, Lt. Webb got 1, Lt. Kennedy got 2, Lt. Smith got 2 and 1 was split among the pilots. Eight P-39s, 8 Grumanns and 12 S.B.D.s went out this evening to intercept some transports and destroyers. January 16, 1943, Day 40 Charlie and his other cohort were over three times last night and dropped bombs on two different times, the third time over he dropped supplies. I fixed the Cle-Trac this morning before breakfast and soldered a radiator. This morning I received a package from Jena and gang, and two letters form the folks. Put a handle on my knife. Two P-39s and two P-38s are up flying around this evening waiting for the Jap bombers to make their return engagement tonight. I go on guard from 2 till 6 in the morning. January 17, 1943, Day 41 This morning I slept till and alert was sounded which was around 11 oclock. This afternoon I welded a couple of rods for a diesel, fixed a broken axle for a bicycle and welded the barrel of a Tommy gun to the breach of a Springfield rifle. Twelve S.B.D.s, five P-38s, three P-40s, four Grumanns and four P-39s went on a mission around chow time, which means trouble for the Japs. About four hundred Japs surrendered that were in the hills but there are plenty more. January 18, 1943, Day 42 About all the work I did today was fixing up our washstand and fixing the floor for our shower. This afternoon I was on a detail tying up sand bags and hauling them to the officers area. Last night around 35 Japs slipped through the line and so our guard was doubled bet nothing happened so far. It has been said that they were slain by our troops who had encircled them. This afternoon when our planes were escort for B-17s to Bougainville, one of our pilots was shot down by a B-17 tail gunner on the return trip. He had just heard that he had made Captain from Dec. 1 on and he has a son back in the states he has never seen. The pilot, Captain Palmer, was one of the nicest officers in our outfit and his loss was a big blow to every man of this squadron. Lt. Lynch and Lt. Webb got one Zero each. January 19, 1943, Day 43 Captain Palmer was picked up this morning and so was Lt. Lynch who made a pancake landing on the water near where Capt. Palmer was floating on a life raft. A PBY picked them up and our planes acted as escort for the big plane. I welded and brazed some pipe and fittings for the water line this morning that had been broken. This afternoon I welded a frame for a side- car box on the motorcycle that is being used by the electrical department. I also straightened a pulley wheel for some kind of machinery for the Marines. I had a nice shower, from which we fixed up for ourselves, Stilwell, Hilgendorf, and myself. I received 2 letters from home, dated Dec. 21st and 23rd. January 20, 1943, Day 44 Brought two big tanks (water) to our area from behind the Marine Post office and I had to drive Hopps Folly which is the crane to load the tanks. On a mission today the pilots bagged eight Zeros, but lost a P-38 plus the pilot, Lt. E. L. Norris. The accident Lt. Lynch had yesterday almost cost him an eye but they have such good eye specialists that they saved the eye. Fixed up the tent by putting up a cupboard to put our things in and have a lot more room. It rained all afternoon so I had the chance to fix things up. January 21, 1943, Day 45 I welded a hole in a water tank and then put it up on the hill with the Cle-Trac. Welded a small piece for Sgt Hopp, which was a delicate job. Worked on the hut this afternoon improving it and by the time everything is fixed it will really be a palace in this country. A Grumann cracked up after taking off in the cocoanut trees, but the pilot was not injured. January 22, 1943, Day 46 Last night there was no sleep because of Charlie was over us all night. He never dropped any bombs until his last trip over and then raised hell. One man stayed in his cot, who was a 339th man and the tent, was hit by a bomb. There were three other men killed that were marines on guard duty on the airstrip. Hilgendorf, Hopp, Fochtman and Funke thought they would stay in bed but changed their minds awful quick when the first two bombs came whistling down then came four more. I slept till noon, for I went to bed after everything was over, which was around four-thirty. I have learned that a bomb was dropped on the beach, killing six and injuring seven. I bent the uprights on Hopps Folley while lifting a big steel tank. Got all the clothes washed this afternoon and so are clean until next washday. Rumors of another bombing raid tonight and Im on guard duty from 11 till 2 in the morning. January 23, 1943, Day 47 New Georgia was in for an all day bombing siege. The Navy, Marines, and Army planes bombed and bombed the place. Eleven Grumanns and twelve P-39s acted as escort for S.B.D.s and B-17s. The sooner that island is cleared of Japs the more rest we will get at night for that is where Charlie comes from. Last night there was no sleep because of him and his bombs. A P-38 went up from 12 till 2 to knock him down but he never came around until three. I slept all morning for I was on guard duty and stayed up all night. S.B.D.s, B-26s, B-17s, P-40s, P-39s, P-38s and Grumanns have been bombing Munda, New Georgia all day long. The Jap flying field was nothing but big holes after the bombing. They are taking off now in big numbers to bomb Munda some more. They will be shelling and bombing all night long for the next two days

and nights to come. Will probably get a good nights sleep tonight for Charlie wont be over. The Japs will be out of pure water after they are shoved back three more miles. The Japs on the southwest line cant cause any damage anymore for they are to sick and out of ammo. With New Georgia in our hands, this place wont have to worry about extensive bombing raids at night, the way it has been the last two nights. January 24, 1943, Day 48 Last night was spent in the foxhole because of Charlie and a couple of his friends. A talk force made a beachhead on New Georgia this morning after it had been shelled all night by the Navy. All of our planes, the bombers and the Marine planes have been busy all day at dive bombing, escorting and patrolling. I worked on our foxhole by enlarging it for we have quite a few fellows that use it during bombing raids. A fellow moved in our tent today, which is none other, then Bill Doster who is one of the electricians in the engineering department. We still have lots of room and its nice to have another fellow with us. I soldered a hole in a radiator made by a piece of coral on No. 209, which is a P-40 and crewed by Sgt. Robinson. January 25, 1943, Day 49 This morning I welded some water pipe that was broken and fixed it my way. This afternoon I welded or should I say brazed a cast iron casting that belongs on the motor for the Cle-Trac starter. Had an alert this afternoon and there were six P-38s, eight P-40s and sixteen Grumanns that went up and intercepted 25 Zeros, of which seven were shot down with the loss of only 2 planes. We listened in on the radio to one of the pilots and heard most of what he was saying but had interference from the Japs for they were cutting in on our wavelength. Had a good rain this afternoon after the alert was over and it really rained hard for a while. I saw one Zero go down when a P-38 knocked him down but he was so far out that I couldnt see him plunge into the ocean. Had a good nights rest for Charlie never came over and I slept for staying up for two nights before.

January 26, 1943, Day 50 Welded all morning on the water line for Fitch, which is in the shower hes putting up. His line should be all right for a while until something runs over it and breaks it again. This afternoon I welded braces for the box on the side- car of the motorcycle. I rode it today and it was the first time I ever rode one and got along all right. A Jap bomber flew over the bomber strip this afternoon and took pictures for he never dropped any bombs. Planes scrambled with him but he got away. They have forty Jap prisoners now and should have a lot more soon for they are surrounded and starving. They are eating their own dead for they have no food. Some of our P-39s landed on the new fighter strip fifteen miles from here last night and they had to be pulled out of the mud this morning, for they were stuck. One P-39 was lost but a Jap Zero was shot down. January 27, 1943, Day 51 An alert this morning very early, about 3 am. Three bombers came over and at three forty-five, nine more came over and dropped their bombs on the bombers strip, but some were near. Another alert when about ten Zeros and bombers came to do some damage but never succeeded for our fighter planes were up to intercept them. The Zeros that were knocked down, have not been tallied, but should know sometime soon. Letters from the states dated Dec. 24th and 27th. The tally on the Jap Zeros so far is ten and our losses are four. Capt. Hubbell and Lt. Morely were shot down in P-40s and Lt. Shaw and Lt. McDaniel were shot down in P-38s. Lt. Hansen ran out of gas while in a dogfight and on landing cracked up, but was not injured, making his seventh crackup without a scratch. Went over to the bomber strip to take parts from a P40 that was smashed up there on landing, but it wasnt in such bad condition. While over there, six B-26s, S.B.D.s and torpedo bombers took off on a bombing mission. Munda was bombed, their landing field was all plowed up from bombs by our bombers and left two big fires. It is believed that they hit their ammunition dump and their gas supply. January 28, 1943, Day 52 Today I worked taking the parts off the P-40 that was wrecked yesterday at the bomber strip. While over there saw two sets of bombers take off during the course of the afternoon. The first set consisted of six B-26s and then just before evening chow, 8 B-17s and one b-26 took off. Where they were going to bomb is unknown to me. I received two packages today from the folks and from Margaret and John. January 29, 1943, Day 53 Early this morning a Jap bomber came over the field, then circled and dived on the field and was strafing and let loose with a bomb that landed between two P-38s but caused no damage. About fifteen minutes the P-38 that had been on patrol was about to land but got a call from recon telling him of the bomber and then the pilot saw him and took out after him. The bomber was diving at something out in the bay and was caught off-guard. For the P-38 was on him and shot him down in a ball of fire. The pilot then buzzed the field and let his belly tank drop that landed in the Marine area but caused no damage. We were all out of our foxholes and saw the whole show which is the first time in two months that I ever saw such a spectacle. This afternoon while working on the P-40 strut trying to get it out with a chisel a piece of the chisel shipped off and lodged in the muscle of my neck. The piece was so small that the medical officer said he would have trouble finding it in the muscle, so it was left there and the medical officer said that it would work itself out in time. There was an alert this afternoon but nothing came of it. January 30, 1943, Day 54(The Battle of Rennel island)

Last night a P-39 landed without landing gears, but not much damage was done. The pilot forgot to put his landing gears down but making a perfect landing on the belly tank. I go on guard from 2 till 6 in the morning and will probably have an alert. January 31, 1943, Day 55 I slept all morning after standing guard duty early this morning. This afternoon went over to the other fighter strip to pick up a part for a P-39. A P-39 cracked-up on landing, and was brought in tonight. I went to church this evening, and then came back and finished reading my magazine. February 1, 1943, Day 56(Japanese begin evacuation of Guadalcanal) This morning we had an alert just before noon chow in which seven of eight bombers that came over were shot down. They had gone across the bomber strip and bombed it but there was no damage and no casualties. This afternoon we had another alert but they never got close to either strip. A Jap bomber sank one of our destroyers that was out in the bay but was shot down before the ship was sunk. The ack-ack on the destroyer got it. There were eleven Jap planes shot down. There is a task force headed our way and all of our dive-bombers are out on that mission. The condition is now black and all the guns are lined up on the beach to avert an invasion. I heard the Articles of War this evening, which are supposed to be read every six months. The Marines got 11 Zeros and three bombers but lost two planes of their own but the pilots were picked up safe. On one mission of B-17s on bombing raid, five were lost and one cracked up on landing. One of our P-40s landed with all the control cables shot out it, and lot of holes all over it. The pilot was shot in the leg and upon landing, the plane cracked up because of all the controls were inoperable. Twenty-one enemy planes were seen headed this way and our planes set three afire, but then the Navy lost one cruiser (U.S.S. Chicago) February 2, 1943, Day 57 An alert lasted all night long with plenty of activity. A naval battle (Japanese evacuation of the island) was raging about fifteen miles out from us, in which five destroyers were set afire and beached. Charlie came over three times during the night and dropped a few bombs and a dud. A couple of bombs landed close to this strip. I watched the naval battle between trips of Charlie but could only see the flashes from the guns and hear the reports. There were three ships set on fire. We got 6 more P-38s this morning and another 6 this afternoon. They are used for reconnaissance and picture taking. One P-38 had nosed over after landing and taxing to his parking space. I worked on Hopps Folly and finally got it operating again for picking wrecked planes off the field. February 3, 1943, Day 58 Had an alert last night but didnt know anything about it till the bombs started dropping. One bomb fell near the engineering hole, demolishing one P-39 and shrapnel from it put four P-40s out of commission. Another bomb landed in front of the armament revetment and its shrapnel hit a P-39 and put it out of commission. Sgt. Norris of the 67th Squadron got a piece of shrapnel in his shoulder. A P-40 returning as escort for B-17s was shot full of holes and the pilot was shot up a bit. His plane caught fire over Bougainville but blew out. How that P-40 ever got back is hard to believe after being shot up the way it was. All the telephone lines were knocked out here so had no way of knowing if the condition was green or red after the bombing. We of our foxhole or bomb shelter had a mad scramble trying to get in when the bombs started dropping but they fell far enough away that no one was hurt from them. Some of the fellows were scratched up a bit after banging against the coral walls while getting in. This bomb shelter was carved out of a coral hill with enough room for about twenty men. The work today consisted of pulling in wrecked planes with the folly and the Cle-track. A Grumann cracked up on landing but the pilot was not injured. The plane is fixable. February 4, 1943, Day 59 An air raid last night and about ten bombs were dropped. A couple hit on the taxi strip but no other damage done. Fixed up the movable tail stand and then started making tail jacks for the folly so that it will not raise the front end when lifting anything extra heavy. I made a picture frame out of plexi-glass because the regular cardboard frames come to pieces. Bombers, dive-bombers and fighters went out to bomb enemy ships but dont know the outcome. P-39s got six zeros while out on escort mission. February 5, 1943, Day 60 An air raid lasted all night long and only a few bombs were dropped plus a few flares. TBFs sunk two enemy ships that were in a convoy with troops. S.B.D.s went out and saved us from being shelled by enemy destroyers. It has been reported that enemy troops were landed by barges, that doesnt sound so good. The anti-aircraft guns on this island are useless for they will not reach as high as the enemy bombers that come over. The men on the searchlights are very poor, for it takes them a long time to get the searchlight on the planes and sometimes never. Went to bed at 5:30 this morning and got up about 9 due to a small welding job and then back to bed till dinner time. After dinner, I dug some more on the bomb shelter for we have some more to do on it, and we practically live in it and will probably get a lot more before we leave here. February 6, 1943, Day 61 A good nights rest because Charlie failed to come over which was a relief for all of us. B-17s were out early this morning for they came back around 4:30 this morning. I fixed up a water tank out of three drums to make a capacity of 150 gallons. It is for our shower and it is mounted quite a ways up on the hill for more pressure. A Grumann cracked up on the runway when the landing gears folded up on it but not much damage. Another one crashed in the field of tree stumps at the end of the runway because the pilot tried to get it into the air with the prop in the wrong pitch. The plane was a total wreck but the pilot was not hurt. I made a telephone pole stand for the communications department. Nine new P-38s came in today and they are sure needed.

February 7, 1943, Day 62 To start the day out, from 5 on, there have been four planes cracked up. The first and second were a Grumann and a P40 that had a head on collision making a total wreck out of both. The P-40 burnt but the pilot got out okay as likewise for the Grumann pilot. Another Grumann cracked up on landing and the pilot got out okay. This afternoon one Grumann landed in the bay as he couldnt land on the strip because his landing gear would not come down. Another Grumann landed without his landing gear but made a good belly landing. When we picked the plane up, they put down the landing gear and pulled it off the runway. The 12th fighter squadron landed here this morning besides the outfits that are already here. During the course of the day, I worked on the shower and it is now in good working order. Pictures were taken of a instrument to set 12 volt regulators for our planes in the engineering department to be sent to Wright Field, U.S.A. February 8, 1943, Day 63 There was not much excitement today and not much work. I slept part of the morning because of being on guard duty last night. Did a little lifting with the folly this afternoon; otherwise, I read most of the day. The last three nights everyone was able to sleep the whole night through, for Charlie never came over to do his nightly chore. February 9, 1943, Day 64(Japanese evacuation complete) I drove the folly all morning and afternoon, lifting logs for the Marines who are making bomb shelters around the airfield. At noon today a Grumann ran into an ambulance and two crash wagons causing complete damage to the three and the plane. The pilot was hurt some but the fellows that were on the trucks were seriously hurt, one killed when the truck wheels crushed his head. One of the seriously hurt may die February 10, 1943, Day 65 This morning while the P-38s were out on patrol, they came upon a Jap bomber and shot it down. The Jap task force that was headed this way has turned back, it is believed. The planes on patrol cant find them anywhere after losing track of them a couple of days ago. This afternoon we had an alert, which was due to enemy dive-bombers and Zeros headed this way but they never came over the island. A Grumann that was banking around for an approach before landing spun into the bay close to the beach and burned. The pilot was probably burnt to death for it burst into flames on hitting and a few moments afterwards exploded. Have no report of what happened to him but will find out soon, if possible. The pilot blew up with the plane for there was no chance for him to get out because he was pinned in by the engine. February 11, 1943, Day 66 Not much doing today but did a little work with the folly lifting logs for the bomb shelters. Three Grumanns cracked up today on take offs but the pilots were not injured. This afternoon I tinkered around making myself another knife but I have quite a bit more to do on it. The island is secured now from the Japs being on the island, for they evacuated and the rest have been taken prisoner. I signed the payroll today for four months pay. Tonight a P-38 landed without his landing gears and made a beautiful landing. February 12, 1943, Day 67 This morning a Grumann cracked up on take off and the pilot was injured. This afternoon on of the new Navy planes (F-4 Corsair) that was piloted by a Marine pilot was taking off crossways of the runway, was off the ground but not high enough when his landing gear hit a P-38 on stands and then crashed in flames. Four P-38s were damaged, three men killed and three injured. The three men who were killed were T/Sgt. Hatfield, who I went to welding school with, Maxon, and armament man, and Lt. Fairins, who was our engineering officer. S/Sgt. Edwards got a 50-caliber slug in his shoulder when he went to get the pilot out of his burning plane that was upside on a pile of 50-caliber ammunition. Corporal Trimbeth got his mouth slashed open, Corporal Hakala got his back scorched from the heat of the flames and the pilot got out without anything but a few burns. It is said, that another officer was killed, for he died on the way to the hospital. Sgt. Hatfield was picked up in pieces for he was chewed up by the prop of the plane. He was identified by a ring on his finger that was picked up with the rest of him. I lifted a few more logs this morning for the bomb shelters that are being built. Sixteen of the New Navy planes (F4U Corsairs) came in just before noon chow today. A P-40 was lost in the ocean and its pilot; Lt. Westbrook bailed-out and was picked up by a PBY that he was escorting. February 13, 1943, Day 68 This morning nothing happened and I didnt do much except lift some more logs with the folly. Right after noon chow I did some more of the same then worked on my knife the rest of the afternoon. We lost three fortresses, 2 P-40s and one P-38 but accounted for 8 Zeros. More ratings came out today and I never got anything because Capt. Reeves has a personal grudge against me that began on the boat from SanFransisco. February 14, 1943, Day 69 Today I did the same kind of work as yesterday. We lost three B-24s, four P-38s against the sinking of three transports, one carrier and a couple of cruisers. This makes a good days work for our forces and if kept up, it shouldnt be long till the end. Church tonight for it is Sunday. Twelve Zeros were shot down today. February 15, 1943, Day 70 I lifted more logs this morning, and this afternoon I welded a connection for a drainpipe in the shower and cut off a piece of pipe. The marine Grumanns have gone to the other fighter strip, which leaves the Army and Navy planes here. Lost one P-40 today that went into the drink, but the pilot got back all right. S.B.D.s, TBFs, Grumanns and P-40s went out on a mission somewhere but dont know the outcome. February 16, 1943, Day 71

This morning I welded the sides on the trailer, for they were torn loose and order came from Captain Konradi. This afternoon I worked on my knife and started making a leather sheath for it. Read a few chapters of the Virginian which is a very good book. Making cocoa now for our evening snack and sure hope it turns out. February 17, 1943, Day 72 I made a stand on a trailer for landing lights to be used on the strip. Everything is set up except for mounting the floodlights, which wont take long. Three more P-40s came in from Tauntota, the fourth one went into the drink, just before he got to the island. The Duck went out and picked the pilot up, so all we lost was our plane and a case of whiskey. February 18, 1943, Day 73 Lifted logs this morning with the folly for another bomb shelter, which makes the sixth one. I started taking the tractor apart this afternoon because it is in gear and wont come loose. No other activities today except for a few missions off this strip. One year ago today sailed from SanFransisco on the S.S. Matsonia. One Grumann nosed over but no damage. February 19, 1943, Day 74 Fixed the tractor this morning and then tried it out to see if it worked right and it is okay. This afternoon I worked on enlarging the tent because we acquired another person to our little family. Fixed a crew chiefs stand for the 339th. I developed some film tonight and got five out of eight negatives.

February 20, 1943, Day 75 Made Sgt. Today after being a Cpl. for a year. I moved my welding shop for I was practically moved out anyway and sure hope I stay here for a while. Took two rolls of film this morning and afternoon and will probably develop them tonight. We are going to print some pictures this evening after it gets dark for we use the machine shop for a dark room February 21, 1943, Day 76 Today I was on camp detail, which consisted of pouring cement for a floor that is for a building for the enlisted mens show hall. The landing of troops was made at Russell Island all during the morning. One P-40 went into the drink just beyond the island and the pilot bailed out. They went out to pick him up, but they havent returned yet. An air raid around 8:30 this evening and five bombs were dropped before condition red was sounded. One bomb hit the taxi strip in front of the Marine engineering hole, and another hit close by the officers area, no one injured. February 22, 1943, Day 77 An air raid at 2:30 this morning and again at 4, but doubt very much if any bombs were dropped. The ack-ack poured round after round at them but to no avail for they were to high and also that they could not be located because of cloud cover. This morning I slept late because I never got much sleep during the night. I was awoke before the morning was up to fix a tool for the 339th squadron. I worked on the tail jacks for the folly. February 23, 1943, Day 78 This morning an air raid, in which the Jap bombers came across three times. We, over here heard no bombs but they were laid on the fighter strip, putting eight Grumanns out of commission. One man was killed when he stuck his head out of his foxhole to see what was happening. A pilot sitting in another foxhole was hit in the neck from flying shrapnel that had gone through the entrance of their foxhole. This morning I fixed the other standard on the folly, so now have it completed to lift heavy weights with out lifting the front end off the ground. This afternoon we brought in a P-39 from the other end of the field, for the pilot overshot the landing strip and went over the end, losing both landing gears by hitting logs that are strung out on that end to keep trucks from coming in on the field. While this was going on, an Army photographer took pictures to send back to Washington for the purpose of, showing them how we do things here with the equipment we have. It really rained all the time we were out and we all got plenty wet. The standards on the truck got their first try out and they were okay. Printed a couple of pictures but had to quit for the developer was too cold. February 24, 1943, Day 79 This morning I made a ring out of stainless steel that came from a brace off a P-39 that was behind the pilots seat. This afternoon I went over to the bomber strip to pick up a compressor, that was left over there by mistake. One Grumann went into the bay for some reason but dont know whether it was Navy or Marine. Printed pictures but the negatives were bad so the pictures didnt come out very good. February 25, 1943, Day 80 This morning I worked on my ring some more by trying to polish it up. This afternoon welded a piece on an arm that works the shutter on a P-40. Lost a P-38 just off the coast of New Georgia while on a strafing mission and lost the pilot, Lt. Ray of the 339th. This afternoon was fortunate in seeing Joe E. Brown in person as well as Johnny Marvin, songwriter and radio star. I took Pictures of Joe E Brown, one of Johnny Marvin and one of the orchestra that was with them. It was held by the beach among the cocoanut trees, which was an ideal place for the show. Joe E. Brown acted out some skits, which were very good and I really got a good laugh. Johnny Marvin sang some of the songs he had written and his latest on for the men in service, which was Here I Am. Went swimming in the ocean afterwards and a fair time for the waves were pretty large. After swimming came back though the show area and got Johnny Marvins autograph. Im on guard from seven until 11, up in the officers area. February 26, 1943, Day 81

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Nothing much done today so made another knife out of stainless steel. This afternoon pulled the engine out of a P-39 with the folly for the 12 Fighter Squadron. Had an alert this morning around 4:30 but never came in so was not bothered. One thousand pound daisy cutters were dropped at Buin Bougainville and one SBD failed to return. February 27, 1943, Day 82 This morning I took the folly and put an engine in a P-39 for the 12th Fighter Squadron. I also lifted two cocoanut logs, which were set upright for a bore-sighting pit for the same outfit. Went over to the Army engineers this morning for some spark plugs and on the way back washed Donaldsons Jeep in the river. This afternoon moved two damaged props and one wing with the folly to the graveyard for cleaning up the engineering department. I put a new pole in my tent to raise it up quite a bit higher so that I have more room to work in. Tinkered around an engine on a compressor for it wouldnt run and it took quite a few of us to get it running. Hilgendorf made a writing desk so that we have something to write letters on. SBDS and fighters went out on a dive-bombing mission about 4:30 this morning. Lost a P-38 and pilot, Lt. Brown, also lost a P-40 and pilot, Lt. Lewis. One big Jap transport was left in flames. February 28, 1943, Day 83 Last night a TBF was blown to bits plus the entire crew when the bombs it was carrying blew up on landing the plane. This morning a SBD dropped a bomb back of the hill behind our camp area because of the brackets breaking loose. Dug post holes this morning and up into the afternoon up in the officers area for light poles, for the officers what lights up there. Dug a couple more post holes this afternoon and set two poles but they have to be tamped in. Six P-70s, night fighters, came in this afternoon; so Charlie will get a big surprise one of these evenings. Going to Church this evening and a new chaplain will take over for Chaplain Smith who left here Wednesday for another base off the island, which I think is Taunatota, New Caledonia. Received mail from home dated 18 January. March 1, 1943, Day 84 Done nothing but fool around and write letters for home. After dinner took the motorcycle and went over to see the dentist but never got to see him. Got some distilled water for mixing some hypo to develop and print some more pictures. Just before the evening meal, I had to weld the water line together where it was broken by a truck running over it. Printed some pictures tonight but will probably have to fight it out with Hilgendorf for he has the idea that he has more right than I to use the stuff. March 2, 1943, Day 85 Nothing much was done this morning and not much this afternoon. Pulled and engine out of a P-39 for the 12th Fighter Squadron. Printed pictures for a while this afternoon for there was nothing to do. Some personnel of the Americal Division have left the island in the last few days and some today. March 3, 1943, Day 86 This morning I tried to see the Dentist but he was in the hospital with malaria. I started working on a hand starter for the Cle-Trac. This afternoon Hopp and I made a paper cutter for cutting of picture prints. I did quite a bit of cutting with the torch during the day. A Grumann made a dead stick landing on the other end of the field, ran over some logs, broke the landing gears off, but the pilot was not injured in any way.

March 4, 1943, Day 87(US victory at Battle of Bismarck Sea) This morning I spent the morning over at the 20th Field Hospital waiting for the Dentist. Had a tooth filled but will have to get fixed over again for it is a temporary filling. This afternoon I cut a gas drum in two for the armament department for a washbasin. I then welded on a big water tank to be used as a reservoir for the water. Welded on two nipples and a closed up one hole which took me up till chow time and a little time after chow. March 5, 1943, Day 88 Not much done today, for I havent been feeling so good. Some thing wrong with my right kidney or thereabouts and I didnt get any sleep last night for it bothered me so. Every time I sat or lay down it started aching again and the only way to get relief was to stand up. I went swimming this afternoon with the engineering officer, armament officer and the CurtisWright representative. I entered the hospital because of kidney trouble, at six oclock. An air raid but it was all over at Tulagi. March 6, 1943, Day 89 Laid around all day and was examined and had an X-ray to see if I had stones. The doctor for this ward is from Monroe, Louisiana. Still in quite a bit of pain. March 7, 1943, Day 90 Had and X-ray taken, blood smear, two other blood tests and a enteric index taken. Nothing showed up on the X-ray so have to wait and see what the results are on the blood tests. Read a book yesterday and worked a jigsaw puzzle. Havent found out what is wrong with me yet. There was another air raid at 8:30 P.M. March 8, 1943, Day 91 Nothing much today but lay around and read. I had another X-ray taken this afternoon. It has been said that the bomber that came over last night was shot down. Havent found out whet the trouble is concerning my kidney. March 9, 1943, Day 92

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Another day in the hospital and the pain in my side is going away. The Doc said that it might have been caused by the Atabrine that Ive been taking since being on this island, so has switched me over on quinine. Loden brought Me over a couple of flints for I had told someone to bring some over to me. March 10, 1943, Day 93 The cause for all my pain is due to a floating kidney. Had another X-ray taken while standing, the other two were taken while lying down. An operation will have to be done to get it put in place but that will come later, when I am in the states. Mitchell and Dutton were over for they came to the dentist. They brought me two letters from home. March 11, 1943, Day 94 Another day in the hospital, just to fatten up. i Just laid around and read all day. March 12, 1943, Day 95 I am still in the hospital. I spent the day just laying around and reading some more. Two more letters from home and also getting paid. Show in the evening but was interrupted by two false alarm air raids. March 13, 1943, Day 96 Im still in the hospital, again just, lying around and reading. I had another X-ray today to find out where my floating kidney is. Dunnigan brought a carton of cigarettes, flints and the paper that came in the mail.

March 14, 1943, Day 97 Another day in the hospital but hope its the last. The doctor seemed impressed so I may get out tomorrow but it remains up to the X-ray officer on letting me go. Read another book this afternoon and just finished it a few minutes ago. Close to bed time and its raining. March 15, 1943, Day 98 Still in the hospital and am sweating getting out tomorrow. I played Monopoly all afternoon and came out the winner in one of the games. Nothing else done today but lay around and gab. March 16, 1943, Day 99 Discharged from the hospital and was instructed not to do any hard work or to drive any vehicles. I received four letters from home. I signed the payroll in the afternoon and saw that I had some back pay coming to me. March 17, 1943, Day 100 I did a little cutting with the torch today for the 339th. Engineering Officer told me to take every afternoon off and take a nap and rest. Received 8 V-mail letters and one regular from home. Letters dated January 18, February 8,9,9,10,13,15,16 and 17th. Have had a pretty bad case of heartburn and hope I get rid of it, for it sure doesnt feel good in my throat. March 18, 1943, Day 101 This morning I did a little cutting with the torch and one was cutting a ten-gallon milk can down. The Mess officer is trying to make an ice dream freezer, so we can have ice cream in our Squadron. i wrote a letter home this afternoon. Developed some film for myself and three rolls for Alex, who is a navy fellow. Had an alert but turned out to be a false alarm. March 19, 1943, Day 102 I made myself a bracelet out of aluminum this morning. This afternoon I worked on a stove for the kitchen but have to have some better solder for soft solder wont stand the heat of the heating unit. Hilgendorf fixed things so we cant develop any more films because he got careless and cut up some negatives that belong to a officer of the 29th Service Squadron. I vomited during the course of the evening, which was acid or sour tasting. March 20, 1943, Day 103 I fixed the heating unit for the kitchen and finally got it to work. I have been feeling sick all day and laid down at intervals to do a little resting. I have had a sore spot in the pit of my stomach, but what the cause is, I dont know. Two Grumanns cracked up on landing and a P-39 ran into a Grumann. All P-40s are having the flying tiger painted on the nose of the planes four are now completed. March 21, 1943, Day 104 I reentered the hospital with Yellow Jaundice. I got back in the same ward and the same bed as I was before. I threw p during the night for I couldnt keep it down. March 22, 1943, Day 105 I took a dose of the salts in the morning and had to go without breakfast and dinner until my bowels moved. When they did move, they really did it. Played cribbage all afternoon and up till it got dark. Four more of our outfit came in for Malaria and Jaundice. I got one letter from Jena today. March 23, 1943, Day 106 Another day in the hospital, wrote letters home. Played cribbage most of the day and in the evening went to the show. The picture was on of Mickey Rooney and the Hardy Family. We had an air raid in which four bombers; two B-24s and two B-

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17s were demolished by fire. One Jap bomber was shot down and crashed in to one of the ammo dumps. Three men were killed when the bombs hit the bomber strip. The alert lasted about three hours and then it was over. March 24, 1943, Day 107 I found out today that I have Malaria besides a moderate case of Yellow Jaundice. I spent the day reading and sleeping. One of the patients here went out and brought back bacon and baked beans and pineapple juice for five fellows but I had some of the bacon and some pineapple juice. We here have plenty of juices and fruit, to drink and eat, for this fellow is always bringing some in, who is Sgt. Bodinger, a gunner on a B-17. March 25, 1943, Day 108 I spent another day in the hospital just laying around and taking things easy. Read a western magazine and a couple of Readers Digests. Took a dose of the salts and it sure cleaned me out. March 26, 1943, Day 109 I spent another day in the hospital doing the same as ever. I have a possible chance of being evacuated off this rock because of Jaundice and being so much under weight. March 27, 1943, Day 110 In the morning, around 3:30, Jap bombers came over and dropped 12 bombs on and near the bomber strip, killing one man and injuring ten others. After breakfast, I got a shot of liver extract of some kind to build up my red blood cells. The rest of the day was spent just laying around reading and playing cribbage. I wrote letters home. March 28, 1943, Day 111 Im still in the hospital doing the same old things. Played a few games of Solitaire but the rest of the day read a Real Detective magazine. Dont know for sure if Im going to be evacuated or not. March 29, 1943, Day 112 I was discharged from the hospital for evacuation from the island, which will be the day after tomorrow. I received ten letters this afternoon from the DeClarises (Joe) and folks. I sold my camera for thirty dollars and eleven rolls of film for six dollars. March 30, 1943, Day 113 I havent left yet for New Caledonia and have to wait until tomorrow. There are three of us going, Adrian, Kabbis and I, all of us are Sgts. I wrote letters to Margaret, dad and Joe DeClaris. I bought thirty-nine self addressed airmail envelopes, so am well supplied with airmail stamps. I did nothing for the rest of the day except play Fan Tan and develop a few pictures that didnt come out so good. March 31, 1943, Day 114 Last day on Guadalcanal Evacuated for medical reasons to New Caledonia Harry (Pops) spent the next several months in the hospital at New Caledonia, later transferring to the hospital at Fiji. He was sent back stateside on 28 November 1943. Pops then spent some time at McCaw base hospital in Walla Walla Washington State and was honorably discharged on 21 January 1944. His unit was accredited with a Unit Presidential citation and ribbon from the Marine Corps for their participation in the reinforcement of the Americal Division.

*Lt. Huff, listed on page 12 ended up being the top ace of the 68th fighter squadron, with six enemy kills during the war.

1st Lt. Lloyd G. Huff 1st Lt. William F. Fiedler Jr.

The 68th was engaged in extensive combat operations and air defense throughout the South and Southwest Pacific from November 1942 until August 1945. During most of 1943, the 68th operated from Guadalcanal as part of the 347th Fighter Group, 13th Air force.

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In tribute to Harry S. Hedstrom (Pops). This has been transcribed from Harrys original diary written while on Guadalcanal and from Harrys own recollection of the events by Jay E. Russell in 2002-2003. Thanks for the privilege of allowing me to do this for you Pops!

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