The Battle Under: The Allies Fight Back

[Capt. Harlock]

The orders were given for the Allied troops to attack and the Japanese fought fiercely. Tarawa fell as the Japanese suffered heavy casualties and the Americans had moderate loses. Two Zeros were destroyed in the attack on the airfield.

Looks like it cost about as much as historical. But you're ten months ahead of schedule!

[tocaff]

January 26, 1943 Tarawa

Intel

2482 men are based at Kyoto.
8061 men are based at Toyohara.
6641 men are based at Saigon.
Chinhae Bay Fortress is located at Pusan.
1st Mixed Regiment is located at Amoy.
25th Engineer Regiment is located at Sendai.
110 aircraft are based at Mutanchiang.
5th AA Regiment is located at Niigata.
59th Division is located at Kweilin.
22435 men are based at Okayama.

Recon

Catalina I takes recon photos of Rangoon 3 X SS, 20 LCUs
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Mandalay 143 fighters, 198 aux, 11 LCUs 40460/374/15
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Makin 5 LCUs 10180/33/0
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Port Moresby 1 X AK, 1 X DE, 30 LCUs
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Darwin 4 X CA, 2 X APD, 14 LCUs 1300/6/0

Combat

The SS Thresher put 2 fish into the side of an AP near Koumac. The escorts immediately attacked her inflicting light systems damage and some flooding. She will retire to Noumea.

A night time surface action near Koumac saw USN PTs attack a convoy. Multiple machine gun hits raked an MSW and 2 PTs were sunk.

A day air attack on TF 179 miles NW of Koumac was made by 35 X B-17E Fortress and 116 X B-24D Liberator. None of the big bombers were even scratched as they showered bombs on the Japanese ships, hitting an AK with a couple and absolutely plastering 2 CLs. All 3 vessels were reported as having been observed to have sunk.

The SS Gurnard spotted an AP, attacked and missed and a little while later targeted an MSW and torpedoed it 103 miles SW of Koumac. The victim exploded and disintegrated almost immediately.

The SS Triton fired her torpedoes and hit an AP twice 47 miles SW of Koumac. She then pressed home another attack on an AP after reloading, but either missed or suffered from duds.

An Allied deliberate attack at Tarawa suffered moderate losses and caused heavy Japanese casualties as the Allied troops are trying to mop up the remaining Japanese on the island.

16 X Zero flew lazily over Kunming, but the Chinese wisely didn't challenge them.

12 X Tojo did the same thing over Nanning and 3 X IL-4c challenged them. A Tojo was damaged while the Chinese lost 2 fighters and the base was lightly damaged.

The Allied bombers based at Imphal attacked Myitkyina and the Japanese had 41 X Zero and 6 X Tony waiting there for them. The Strike was made up of 12 X Blenheim IV, 8 X Wellington III, 14 X Liberator VI, 8 X Hudson I, 8 X Beaufort V-IX, 3 X B-25C Mitchell and 3 X P-38G Lightning. 2 X Zero were destroyed (12 damaged) and 5 X Tony were damaged in the melee while the Japanese punished the intruders by downing 7 X Blenheim IV, 5 X Wellington III, 2 X Liberator VI (4 damaged), 7 X Hudson I, 1 X Beaufort V-IX (3 damaged), 1 X B-25C Mitchell (1 damaged) and 1 X P-38G Lightning (1 damaged). The damage to the base was light. The Allied brass were left scratching their heads, wondering how the Japanese manage to stage LR CAP over the targets on the day of the attack. Is there a breach of security?

The British have planned Operation Anvil and will use it as soon as the troops assemble. Burma is a stalemate that is an unacceptable situation to the Allies. With growing air power it is hoped that Anvil can reach it's goals. In the meantime the RN continues to prepare it's ships for whatever may venture into the Indian Ocean.

Cookie sits on the hatch cover quietly talking with a few other men and says, “I don't put any trust in the rumors that you've heard, but I do know that the airfield has been busy as we've ever seen before and there must be a reason for that.”

“Pete don't worry about what the papers say,” says one of the lodgers. “The war will ultimately be won by the Allies simply because there is strength in numbers and between Russia's and China's manpower and the production of the USA how can we lose?” The man returns to eating his dinner and Pete sets the paper aside with a grunt. Ever since they bought the business it seems that he hardly gets out anymore. This is a most difficult adjustment for him to make, but he's happy with Sylvia and will do anything to see her happy.

Orsini was appalled by what he saw today. The Japanese continue to fight on, though they are being pressed into a smaller and smaller area with no hope of survival. “Why won't they surrender?” he asks a buddy who just shakes his head. The Marines can't believe that with rifles used as clubs, bayonets and swords the Japanese continue to resist.

In Hoboken one or Orsini's letters arrives and his mother reads it. He said that he'll never take an ocean cruise for a vacation or any other reason once the war ends. He also said that he misses the family and of course her food. She sits with tears running down her cheeks wondering where he is and how he's doing, but most of all she has a mother's fears for a son at war.

The Stalingrad pocket was split in two today.

Victory Points Japanese 19432 Allied 7396

[tocaff]

January 27, 1943 New Hebrides

Intel

67th Naval Guard Unit is located at Port Moresby.
6th Air Division is located at Koepang.
4352 men are based at Kadina.
4579 men are based at Toyama.
51st Construction Battalion is located at Changchun.
128th IJN Base Force is located at Iwo Jima.
151st IJA Base Force is located at Tokyo.
7th AA Regiment is located at Sendai.
15th Field Artillery Regiment is located at Homan.
4th Construction Battalion is located at Mukden.
23rd Engineer Regiment is located at Inch'on.
Radio transmissions detected at Noumea.

Recon

F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Pagan 1 LCU 620/0/0
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Makin 5 LCUs 11220/22/0
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Gili Gili 3 X DE, 8 LCUs 9620/70/0
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Koumac 3 LCUs 24800/253/0
Catalina I takes recon photos of Rangoon 2 X SS, 1 X CL, 20 LCUs

Combat

4 X PT slip in to the Koumac area and look to attack in a night time surface action. An IJN TF of 4 X CA and a DD is nearby, but both sides never detected each other. A little later, now on different headings the same forces again fail to contact each other. An unlucky 3rd time around and the Japanese open fire and sink a PT. The Americans never fired a shot.

At 41 miles SW of Koumac 5 X PT detect a Japanese convoy and attack it. They rake the AKs with 50 cal fire, but fail to score any torpedo hits.

A naval bombardment of La Foa inflicted moderate casualties to the Americans there. Later a second bombardment was endured by the defenders who had moderate casualties once more.

The IJN TF near Noumea was attacked by 3 X B-17E , scoring no hits.

21 X B-17E and 57 X B-24D attacked the TF Koumac, hitting 2 X CLs repeatedly and an AP. All 3 vessels were reportedly burning. No loses were suffered by the big birds.

Near Koumac 4 X PT located and engaged a convoy. They sank a PG, reported a CL and AP as burning along with another heavily damaged AP. A PT was hit twice and was heavily damaged and on fire. The damaged Japanese vessels must've been hit in the earlier air raids.

10 X Hudson, 15 X A-20G, 31 X B-17E, 7 X F4F-4 and 8 X P-40E attacked the 84th Naval Guard Unit, at Koumac. The Allied planes suffered no loses, while inflicting moderate casualties on the Japanese. This was the first appearance of the A-20G in combat.

Coastal Guns at Noumea fired at the IJN TF there and Japanese casualties were thought to have been very heavy. 3 X DD were hit multiple times as were 4 X AP.

An Allied artillery bombardment attack at Noumea resulted in the Japanese troops suffering heavy casualties.

At Tarawa mop up ops continue and in the Allied attack both sides sustained heavy
casualties. Slim was wounded by a grenade fragment, but he refused to leave the line because, “My buddies need me here. Just patch me up, it's not so bad,” he told the medic. Orsini and some others are struggling to keep up the ammo supply. The Japanese are beaten, yet they keep on fighting. When the Marines see the dead bodies the some are sickened. Orsini finds that he's developing a numbness to the sights, sounds and odors around him. He just seems to function automatically.

The SS KXI attacked 5 X PG 47 miles off of Port Moresby and came up empty. She then underwent a violent attack by her intended victims, but suffered nothing worse that some broken light bulbs.

At Nanning the Japanese attacked the airfield doing light damage to it. 8 X Il4c attacked them and 2 X Sally were downed along with a Topsy while 2 X Tojo were damaged. All of the Chinese planes returned to base safely.

14 X Helen attacked Kweiyang and were met by 17 X I-16c. Damage to the base was very light and 5 X Helen were shot down (4 damaged) while he Chinese had 3 planes damaged.

31 X Zero swept Kunming meeting no opposition and doing no damage.

MSW Cuttack is sweeping a mine field at Trimcomalee.

Ed's TF is heading to Baker to replenish and then start the attack on Makin.

The Wasp is returning to Pearl escorted by other damaged warships.

O'Bannon is almost ready for a return to duty and Bill is itching to get back into the fight. He's afraid that he'll draw convoy escort duties. Until such a time as he has orders he reads more letters from Sandy. She tells him about Dave's hand, the snows that they've had and life in general. She always closes each letter telling him how much she misses him.

The USN CVs and fast BBs are moving to Suva to replenish and then they will enter the fray in the New Hebrides.

In Oz the Allied forces continue to lick their wounds and rebuild their strength. For now all appears quiet, but knowing the Japanese aggressive streak that could change in an instant.

The question is are the Japanese defenses weakened by all of these forces deployed forwards? Continued Allied pressure in CENPAC must concern them.

The USO Club in Pittsburgh is packed and the music is loud. It's hard to believe that these Army Air Corps trainees will soon be risking their lives. Elaine is tired of dancing and begs off as another man asks for a dance. She needs a rest.

Today the USAAC made it's first raid on Germany. B-17s and B-24s hit Emden and Wilhelmshaven.

Victory Points Japanese 19464 Allied 7450

[tocaff]

January 28, 1943 Tarawa

Intel

217072 men are based at Ominato.
Karafuto Mixed Brigade is located at Shikka.
38th Construction Battalion is located at Toyohara.
4th Aviation Rgt is located at Nanning.
Elements of the 2nd Ind. Brigade are located at Kaigan.
4th Fleet is located at Port Moresby.
2485 men are based at Kyoto.
7th AA Regiment is located at Sendai.
53rd Naval Guard Unit is located at Wake Island.
51st Division is located at Wuchow.
40th Division is planning for an attack on Sian.
150th IJA Base Force is located at Tokyo.
Elements of the 70th Division are located at Nanchang.
15th AA Regiment is located at Nagoya.
36385 men are based at Chiamussu.
6719 men are based at Iwo Jima.
Radio transmissions detected at Vancouver.

Recon

SB-2 takes recon photos of Heiho 9 LCUs 64700/752/28
R-12 takes recon photos of Arshaan 2 LCUs 5520/79/0
R-12 takes recon photos of Tabun-Nur 1 LCU 1440/13/0
SB-2 takes recon photos of Chiamussu 33 fighters, 33 aux, 6 LCUs 22340/291/6
SB-2 takes recon photos of Hailar 7 LCUs 41060/340/12
Pe-2 takes recon photos of Fushan 1 LCU 1740/6/0
Pe-2 takes recon photos of Mutanchiang 10 LCUs 25260/345/166
R-12 takes recon photos of Changkufeng 9 LCUs 49880/329/4
Catalina I takes recon photos of Rangoon 2 X CL, 2 X PT, 1 X SS, 2o LCUs
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Lashio 2 LCUs 6080/24/0
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Gili Gili 1 X BB, 5 X CA, 10 LCUs 1880/142/0
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Darwin 6 X CA, 2 X APD, 14 LCUs 16400/58/0
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Koumac 3 LCUs 24880/226/0
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Makin 5 LCUs 11420/27/0

Combat

An air attack on 65th Brigade at Koumac was made in the morning by 9 X Hudson, 9 X A-20B, 9 X A-20G and 7 X F4F-4. No Japanese planes were around and Japanese casualties were thought to be moderate. All planes returned to Noumea undamaged.

Another attack on Koumac was made by the big boys. 90 X B-17E and 121 X B-24 D hit the airbase and port doing light damage. The lack of air cover is leaving the Japanese vulnerable to repeated attacks where the planes are suffering no damage.

The 1st Marine Division attacked the Japanese force at Noumea, inflicting very heavy casualties on them while the Marine loses were said to have been very light.

At Tarawa another attack on the remaining Japanese forces was made and both sides suffered moderate loses. The Japanese will not give up, much to the consternation of the American troops.

33 X Zero again swept Kunming drawing no opposition from the Chinese. The base wasn't attacked just patrolled by the Japanese.

The SS Gurnard underwent an ASW attack 97 miles SW of Koumac, suffering no damage.

A Val attacked the SS KVII 113 miles SE of Gili Gili. Thanks to alert lookouts the sub was able to evade the plane and continue her patrol.

Orsini is relaxing with a cup of nice tepid water when one of his buddies shows up with some beer. “Where the hell did you get this?” Orsini asks as he drops the water to catch the beer tossed to him.

“I went for a stroll over by the airfield and was talking with some Sea Bees and they traded these, and a couple more that I drank on the way back, for that Jap flag I had. I'm telling you those guys want to trade for the stuff we can pull off of the dead Japs.”

Orsini counters with, “Yeah, but are you really willing to risk your neck for souvenirs that could be booby traps?”

“Those Sea Bees even have steaks! I'm telling you that a pistol here, a rifle or sword there and we can live like kings.” With that the man sucks down a beer and belches with a huge grin on his face.”

Jack silently looks at the beer tossed to him and mutters, “Thanks.” He's become very quiet lately and isn't even bellyaching. Slim and Orsini wonder what's up, but don't dare ask him. Jack's hands tremble as he struggles to open the can of beer, dropping the opener twice before another man grabs it and helps him.

Gunny approaches the machine gun squad, sees the beer and says, “Let me guess, Sea Bees trading.” A beer is tossed to him and he sits down to join the relaxing Marines. “Don't get to comfortable because we still have to root out the remaining Japanese troops,” Gunny says between swigs of the warm beer.

Bill is sitting is the officers club and overhears the talk at the next table. “Tarawa is just about wrapped up, but the Japs have attacked in the New Hebrides. Noumea will hold because the Marines are already hitting back at the invaders, but the rest of the island will probably fall. I heard that the carriers are heading that way spoiling for a fight.”

Stick is rapidly tiring and struggles to keep up as his unit is on a run that he thinks is meant to kill them. “Who needs the Japanese as our own people are trying to kill us,” he says to the pilot next to him.

The whole German workforce has been mobilized for “total war.” Men 16-65 and women 17-50 must now register.

Victory Points Japanese 19472 Allied 7463

[tocaff]

January 29, 1943 Tarawa

Intel

3124 men are based at Bangkok.
32nd Heavy AA Battalion is located at Aomori.
54th Construction Battalion is located at Canton.
4th Aviation Rgt is located at Nanning.
6728 men are based at Iwo Jima.
Soya Fortress is located at Wakkanai.
4588 men are based at Toyama.
187088 men are based at Saipan.
4th Division is planning for an attack on Trimcomalee.
6th Ind. Brigade is located at Yenen.
Ryojun Fortress is located at Port Arthur.
Home Defense Force is located at Tokyo.
Radio transmissions detected at Prince Rupert.

Recon

Catalina I takes recon photos of Rangoon 2 X PT, 1 X SS, 1 X CL, 20 LCUs
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Makin 5 LCUs 10160/30/0
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Gili Gili 2 X BB, 6 X CA, 2 X DD, 1 X AK, 1 X APD, 10 LCUs 27180/154/0
PB2Y Coronado takes recon photos of Lunga 1 X CA, 1 X AP, 13 LCUs 17060/76/0
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Wyndham 6 X AK, 1 X AP, 29 LCUs
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Koumac Moderate damage to airbase and port, 3 LCUs 24720/232/0

Combat

A night time surface encounter between 5 X PT and an IJN transport TF suddenly erupted 39 miles SW of Koumac. There were 3 X DD are on escort duty and 2 were hit with fish, 1 of them sinking immediately and the other 2 suffering heavy damage and were burning. 4 X AP were damaged and another was sunk. Japanese troops were observed jumping into the water from a burning AP. The PT-166 took a shell hit and sank.

The IJA 65th Brigade was subjected to an air attack at Koumac. 9 X Hudson I, 9 X A-20B, 12 X A-20G and 7 X F4F-4 inflicted moderate casualties and retired without any planes being damaged.

An hour later Koumac was raided again, but this time the TF there was targeted. 38 X B-17E, 2 X SBD and 25 x F4F-4 left a DD and an AP heavily damaged and on fire. Japanese troops loses were thought to have been moderate.

Another raid of 72 X B-17E and 76 X B-24 D attacked the convoy at Koumac. It was claimed that 5 APs were heavily damaged in the attack and that Japanese ground losses were moderately heavy.

The airbase at Koumac was attacked by 30 X B-17E, 7 X F4F-4 and 9 X P-40E. The Allied planes suffered no damage and they did very light damage to the base.

That afternoon 65 X B-17E and 77 X B-24D hit the airbase and port at Koumac doing moderate damage while no planes were damaged.

Another ground assault by the Americans at Noumea caused very heavy Japanese casualties while the Americans sustained very light losses.

At Tarawa the Americans hit the Japanese again inflicting very heavy casualties and their own losses were light. The 51st Naval Guard and the 6th Base Force have been wiped out by attrition. There were 3 wounded survivors taken prisoner and the island has been declared secured.

The Zeros visited Kunming again and just patrolled the skies there unchallenged.

At Kweiyang 20 X Tojo showed up and 17 X I-16c met them. A Tojo was damaged and the Chinese lost 3 planes.

IJN MSWs were sweeping mines at Goodenough Island and a convoy ploughed right into the mines. The report filed by a coast watcher indicated a DD and an AP were sunk in the chaos.

An IJN DD discovered a mine field at Kiriwina Island.

Flying his flag from the BB Maryland Ed's TF departs Baker for a visit to Makin Island to soften it up a bit before the landings hit it. A far cry from the bowels of the Pentagon, he thinks as he surveys his TF.

A plane to fly! Stick is happier than a kid on Christmas morning. Not only will he get some time in the air, but he's escaped the PT for the day. There is still no word on those new planes yet and the men of VMF-222 are beginning to joke that they don't even exist.

The exhausted 2nd Marines are worn out and the news that organized Japanese resistance has ended is greeted with skepticism. “You mean to tell me that the small pockets of Japs are going to surrender?” Slim asks Gunny.

“No, I'd bet that they'll need killing just like the rest of them,” Gunny replies.

Orsini is lying on his back watching Jack, who has stopped talking to everyone, shake and twitch. He taps Gunny on the arm and nods in Jack's direction and says, “It looks like Jack's had it.”

“Yeah, you and another guy walk him down to the beach for the docs to take care of him,” says Gunny. He then adds, “Slim is that wound of yours OK? If it gets infected I'm gong to be your worst problem so you go with Orsini and Jack and have it looked after.” Slim nods and he heads over to Jack, helping him to his feet and the three of them head towards the beach in search of the medical teams there.

FDR ponders the reports presented to him and says, “Well gentleman it seems that Operation Snowball is off to a rousing success. LITS has done exactly what we had hoped it would do. Let's not delude ourselves into thinking that if the Japanese had pushed into the New Hebrides in force that things would be looking so good as they are. In any case let's not get carried away with congratulating ourselves just yet. The beginning is over and we've let the Japanese know that there will be hell to pay from here on out. By the way did those new planes arrive yet? What's their names, Corsairs?”

The Germans ordered that all Gypsies be arrested and sent to extermination camps.

Admiral Donitz took over command of the German Navy from Admiral Raeder today.

The British 8th Army crossed into Tunisia.

Heydrich successor Dr Ernst Kaltenbrunner is now the head of the RSHA.

The RAF made it's first low level daylight raid on Berlin with Mosquito bombers.

Victory Points Japanese 19478 Allied 7538




BB-46 Maryland

[tocaff]

January 30, 1943 Tarawa

Intel

13th Army is planning for an attack on Chungking.
3347 men are based at Hamamatsu.
Iki Fortress is located at Ikitsuki.
41st Division is located at Homan.
9th Ind. Brigade is located at Changsha.
28463 men are based at Tsitsihar.
36351 men are based at Chiamussu.
1852 men are based at Tinian.
2nd Reserve AA Regiment is located at Tokyo.
11th Ind. Brigade is located at Changsha.
25th AA Regiment is located at Nagato.
13th Tank Regiment is planning for an attack on Chungking.
51st Heavy AA Battalion is located at Koepang.
Kwantung Area Army is located at Changchun.

Recon

Catalina I takes recon photos of Rangoon 1 X CL, 19 LCUs 28540/435/16
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Taung Gyi nothing detected
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Makin 5 LCUs 10820/43/0
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Gili Gili 2 X CA, 2 X DE, 1 X AP, 10 LCUs 26820/162/0
PB2Y Coronado takes recon photos of Tulagi 2 X AG, 10 LCUs 20080/214/3
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Wyndham 1 X DE, 1 X PC, 29 LCUs
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Koumac Moderate damage to airbase and port, 3 LCUs 24780/256/0

Combat

About 44 miles SW of Koumac 2 X AP were spotted by 4 X PT. As the plywood sharks raced in undetected for their attack they realized that their prey had no escort. One AP was raked with machine gun fire and was left burning with heavy damage while the other was hit by 3 fish and sank within minutes. Japanese troops were observed leaping into the water.

A ground attack on 65th Brigade near Koumac by 15 X Hudson, 15 X A-20B, 15 X A-20G 7 X F4F-4 and 12 X P-40E cause light casualties in return for no planes being damaged.

The airbase at Koumac was hit by 29 X B-17E, 7 X F4F-4 and 11 X P-40E, doing moderate damage to the runway. All planes returned to base undamaged.

Another attack on Koumac by 58 X B-17E and 101 X B-24D hammered the airbase and port.

At Noumea another assault on the Japanese troops inflicted heavy casualties while through some miracle the Marines had none.

4 X Betty appeared over Tarawa and were greeted by the newly established air complement based there. 34 X F-4F-4 (5 damaged) and 9 X P-38G (1 damaged) downed 2 of the Bettys while the others fled. The Wildcats were provided by the patrolling CVE TF. The Sea Bees had the base opened and fully functional as of yesterday and the port is expected to be finished by tonight or tomorrow morning, latest.

At Tarawa another attack on the Japanese caused heavy casualties while American loses were light. The 5th and 8th Base Forces were wiped out in the attack. Only 2 wounded Japanese soldiers were taken alive.

“I'm so glad that all organized resistance has ended,” says Slim.

“Yeah, me too,” Orsini agrees. “Imagine what it would be like if we had met organized resistance,” he jokes.

“Knock it off you two. Get some rest so that tomorrow we can continue cleaning up this hell hole,” says Gunny. “Even though this place is now ours we can't have any unwanted guests bothering our rear area troops, now can we?”

The SS Haddock located and attacked an AP about 21 miles SW of Koumac, hitting the lone vessel with a torpedo. The sub then retired leaving the stricken vessel burning and settling into the waters that have claimed so many Japanese vessels recently.

33 X Tojo appeared over Kweiyang, but there was no Chinese opposition today.

The alarms sounded as 19 X Zero, 60 X Tony and a lone Helen approached Derby. 13 X Kittyhawk engaged the Japanese planes and down 2 X Tony and damaged the Helen. Only 3 of the Australian planes managed to return to base.

Benham and her charges are nearing Suva, trailing behind the CV TFs that Phil longs to be a part of. He reminds himself that without the AOs that Benham and her sister DDs are caring for the CVs would be tethered to short legged ops. Still he'd like to see some combat.

The 1st Marines at Noumea are enjoying their period of rest after eliminating the Japanese that rashly invaded their base. Other parts of the island will have to be visited to eliminate the Japanese presence there, but for now the men enjoy their hard fought victory in what was their baptism of fire.

Dave sits staring at the mug of tea sitting on the table in front of him and mutters, “I thought for sure that we had enough coffee to last the entire month.”

Sandy says, “Normal people would have enough, but you like to swim in the stuff. Dad you drink enough coffee to sink a battleship with.”

“So where are these rumored planes? Do they even exist? Maybe the Corps is just telling us this story about the planes to keep us quiet. If we have to continue with all of this PT I'll have such large muscles I might not even fit in the cockpit,” says Stick.

“Yeah, you'll be so strong that you'll break the throttle control the first time you're in combat and soiling your pants,” says another pilot.

The 2nd Marines have finished their mission and the men, though exhausted, are happy to have survived the carnage. They are talking about what they'll do when they get back to Hawaii for some R&R when the sharp crack of a rifle is heard. Orsini pitches forward and as quickly as that is gone forever. “This can't be happening! We've killed all of the Japs! We won!” shouts a member of the machine gun squad. The grim reality of their war is that until the last of the Japanese are killed the fight goes on.

The German 6th Army is on it's last legs at Stalingrad. Hitler does not speak to the nation for the tenth anniversary of the Nazis taking power.

Victory Points Japanese 19495 Allied 7580

[tocaff]

January 31, 1943 The New Hebrides

Intel

16th Army is located at Rabaul.
6938 men are based at Shimuzu.
34th Division is located at Changsha.
Ryojun Fortress is located at Port Arthur.
211697 men are based at Masan.
57th Construction Battalion is located at Maizuru.
41st Heavy AA Battalion is located at Seoul.
21st Engineer Regiment is located at Lunga.
23rd Division is located at Heiho.
8060 men are based at Toyohara.
3231 men are based at Anshan.

Recon

Catalina I takes recon photos of Rangoon
1 X CL, 2 X PT, 18 LCUs 29120/441/13
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Mandalay 147 fighters, 205 aux, 10 LCUs 35620/347/8
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Gili Gili 2 X DE, 10 LCUs 27740/163/0
PB2Y Coronado takes recon photos of Rennell Island nothing detected
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Wyndham 9 X AK, 1 X AP, 1 X DE, 2 X PC, 28 LCUs
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Makin 5 LCUs 10680/34/0
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Koumac Moderate damage to all base facilities, 3 LCUs 24160/210/0

Combat

The airbase at Koumac was raided by 7 X F4F-4, 14 X P-40E and 25 X B-17E causing light damage.

A mere 11 minutes later 59 X B-17E and 101 X B-24D hit Koumac and did moderate damage to the airbase and port.

Near Wyndham the Dutch submarine KXVII put 2 torpedoes into the side of an AP. She then silently slipped away undetected despite the many angry escorts searching for her.

At Taung Gyi 6 X Wellinton III did light damage to the resource center.

The Japanese did moderate damage to Kweiyang and inflicted light loses to the ground troops by throwing 14 X Zero, 20 X Tojo and 71 X Helen at them. No Japanese loses were reported.

“He was a standup guy. He never let us down. A really good Joe,” says Slim to Gunny. Orsini's death has hit Slim pretty hard.

“Yeah, he was a good Marine and he gave his all. I do have good news though, our platoon has been pulled off the line so gather up your gear and let's get out of here.” Gunny gets up and the other Marines move to follow him. There aren't so many of them now as the day they hit the beach and those that survived are spent.

“One more day and we can drink coffee again,” says Dave, “If this snow doesn't get to heavy I'll head into town in the morning to buy the stuff we need.”

Cookie has heard from some Marines that the Japanese attacks around Noumea have been stopped cold and now the American forces are working on pushing them out altogether. “Maybe the Navy does know what it's doing sometimes,” he jokes, “They were right about keeping us safe in port here.”

“Safe? Only because the Japanese didn't try harder,” say another man.

“Like I said before,” Red chimes in, “I'd rather get sunk in port than on the high seas. I kind of like the idea of surviving this war.” He gets up and calls Lucky and the two of them take a walk around the ship together.

Sandy rolls her eyes and says, “Dad, who are you kidding? If there's any way at all to get more coffee you'll find it. When you do go I want you to mail a few letters for me, OK?”

“Sure thing,” says Dave as he heads to the garage to complete the tune up on the Hudson.

“Still no word on when we get to depart for who knows where?” asks Frank.

“Nope, nothing as of yet and she's (the O'Bannon) just about ready to go,” says Bill. Frank leaves and Bill returns to completing the mundane duties of routine paperwork. He comes to the recommendation that he's written that Frank be given his own command. Bill doesn't want to lose such a good exec, but he doesn't want to hold Frank back either.

Stalin is especially happy with the news from Stalingrad. “You see, the Germans can be defeated and this is just the beginning. We continue to grow stronger and we will crush them. I want them expelled from the Rodina and I want my soldiers walking the streets of Berlin. Now let's continue to pressure our American and British friends to open the Second Front.”

“You know that our lodgers are working for the Allies, don't you Syl?” asks Pete.

Sylvia looks at him, smiling, and replies, “At least they're on the proper side of this war then. Besides they pay in advance and we have no troubles meeting our obligations with the bank. The only thing that could be better than this situation would be peace and you working fewer hours.”

The two of them cuddle up and fall asleep. They continue to fall deeper in love as they get to know each other better from living together.

The call up for single girls in Britain was lowered to 19.

Vichy France created the Milice (Militia) to fight the Resistance under command of Joseph Darnand.

The southern pocket, with no ammo, surrendered to the Russians today. Paulus and 16 other generals were captured.

Victory Points Japanese 19501 Allied 7585

[Capt. Harlock]

They are talking about what they'll do when they get back to Hawaii for some R&R when the sharp crack of a rifle is heard. Orsini pitches forward and as quickly as that is gone forever.

You did WHAT???[X(][X(]

[tocaff]

Well it is war and people do get hurt along the way. I'm sure new character will arise to replace our fallen heroes.

February 1, 1943 Over Koumac

Intel

117th IJN Base Force is located at Inch'on.
8th Ind. Brigade is located at Chengting.
248724 men are based at Sasebo.
187091 men are based at Saipan.
2601 men are based at Taejon.
28886 men are based at Harbin.
7th Engineer Regiment is located at Mutanchiang.
10th Area Army is located at Tokyo.
2nd Army is located at Truk.

Recon

Catalina I takes recon photos of Rangoon 1 X CL, 2 X PT, 19 LCUs 34120/432/10
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Mandalay 147 fighters, 216 aux, 10 LCUs 34900/337/14
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Makin 5 LCUs 10000/16/0
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Gili Gili 2 X APD, 2 X CA, 1 X DE, 1 X AP, 10 LCUs 29700/164/0
PB2Y Coronado takes recon photos of Russell Islands vacant
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Wyndham 1 X AK, 1 X AP, 28 LCUs
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Koumac Moderate damage to the airfield & port, 3 LCUs 23300/205/0

Combat

The bombardment of Makin by Ed's TF of the old BBs hammers the Japanese defenders, who are believed to have suffered heavy casualties. The base facilities are lightly damaged in the attack. Ed flagship, BB Maryland, was struck twice by return fire and the shells that hit did no damage.

The IJA 65th Brigade suffered through another attack by the Allied aircraft that rule the skies over Koumac. 9 X F4F-4, 9 X Hudson, 15 X A-20B and 12 X A-20G caused moderate casualties and all planes were unharmed.

Koumac was attacked again 10 minutes later by 9 X F-4F-4, 11 X P-40E, 16 X SBD and 38 X B-17E who targeted the airbase for moderate damage. No planes were damaged in the raid.

Koumac was struck 20 minutes later by 22 X B-17E and the port was lightly damaged. All of the planes were undamaged in the attack.

An air attack on Myitkyina by 24 X X P-38G rolled in and was faced by 11 X Zero and 21 X Tony. The swirling dogfights witnessed what can happen to the Japanese when faced by seasoned pilots in good planes as 2 X Zero went down in flames and 12 X Tony were also destroyed at the cost of a lone P-38G being damaged.

An air strike on Derby by 18 X Zero, 58 X Tony, 1 X Helen and a lone Dinah was met by 3 X Kittyhawk. All three of the Australian planes went down after they destroyed a Tony and damaged the Dinah.

Admiral Ed Landy considers himself a very lucky man today as shell splinters wounded two sailors not 5 feet from him and he was untouched. A well armored ship like the Maryland won't get hurt by the guns on Makin, but human bodies aren't so well protected. Later as he prepares to go to sleep he discovers just how lucky he was as a sleeve of his shirt was torn by a fragment.

“I hear that the mechanics can't keep up with the number of planes attacking the Japanese on the other end of the island,” say one of Palawan's crew.

“Don't believe it because if that were the case then we wouldn't be seeing so many planes in the air,” says Cookie.

The crew of the Palawan is getting restless as they sit idly at anchor, restricted to the ship. When a B-17 bomber flies by low overhead Lucky starts to shake from fear of the noise. Red thinks that the loud noise hurts his dog's ears.

“Hell Red that noise is enough to wake the dead. It's no wonder Lucky is afraid. I have to admit that I'd rather hear that than Japanese motors though,” says the First Mate.

Gunny's platoon spent the entire day relaxing near the beach, though they still posted guards for their area. The hard lesson of one can never be to careful has been learned and will never be forgotten.

Sylvia has today off and she cooks a nice breakfast for Pete. Since it's Monday and the pub will be quiet for most of the morning the two of them decide to go for a walk. Pete is dismayed with the way the war is going and wonders why the Americans and Australians can't kick the Japanese out of Australia. Why are the Americans so busy with islands like Tarawa anyway? What are the British doing besides sitting on their behinds? He tells himself to relax and enjoy the walk as they enter a park, hand in hand.

Elaine is becoming excited with the anticipation of her birthday tomorrow. Her father has always been more than generous with presents for his children and this only serves to fuel the fires.

The Germans evacuated Demyansk.

Victory Points Japanese 19510 Allied 7612

[tocaff]

February 2, 1943 The Kremlin

Intel

13th Air Fleet is located at Truk.
2nd Army is located at Truk.
248717 men are based at Sasebo.
6661 men are based at Saigon.
Shimonoseki Fortress is located at Nagato.
17th Army is located at Tulagi.
1806 men are based at Hungnam.
37th Construction Battalion is located at Canton.
7th AF Construction Battalion is located at Soerabaja.
8th Aviation Rgt is located at Chiamussu.
7870 men are based at Sendai.
41st AA Regiment is located at Changchun.
15th Field Artillery Regiment is located at Homan.
China Expeditionary Army is located at Changsha.
21st Air Flotilla is located at Singapore.
13th Division is planning for an attack on Chungking.
Radio transmissions detected at Pearl Harbor.

Recon

Catalina I takes recon photos of Rangoon 2 X PT, 20 LCUs
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Mandalay 172 fighters, 213 Aux, 10 LCUs 37060/345/8
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Koumac Moderate damage to airbase & port, 3 LCUs 24420/227/0
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Makin 5 LCUs 10080/30/0
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Gili Gili 1 X AP, 1 X CA, 10 LCUs 29000/179/0
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Wyndham 11 X AK, 1 X DE, 28 LCUs

Combat

Ed's TF lays into Makin with another bombardment and though the Japanese gunners fired back they didn't score any hits. Japanese loses were thought to have been moderate.

6 X F4F-4, 6 X Hudson, 12 X A-20B and 6 X A-20G attacked the 65th Brigade at Koumac causing light casualties. All the aircraft were unharmed. Not long afterwords 8 X F4F-4, 9 X P-40E, 15 X SBD and 31 X B-17E struck doing light damage to the runway. All of the planes retired without any damage.

The SS Shad attacked a TK 37 miles off Vigan, but missed. She withdrew safely as the escorts never knew of her being there. Later that afternoon the Shad, which had continued to shadow it's prey, tried to attack again. This time the escorts located her and attacked. Though no damage was done the escorts did prevent the Shad from pressing her attack.

Japanese planes raided Kweiyang inflicting moderate damage and casualties. There was no Chinese opposition.

Bill reads that the winter has been cold and dreary without him. He longs to see Sandy, but he's got a job to do and he just wants his new orders and to get back into things.

“My bosses were wondering if you'd be interested in being a courier for us?” the man asks Pete as he sits at the bar drinking a beer.

“Your bosses wouldn't happen to be intel types, would they? I might even know a couple of them if it's the OSS.” Pete takes a sip of his tea and continues, “I really think that I've given quite enough to my country and I think that I'd like to stay home with my new wife. Thanks for the offer though.”

“You don't understand,” the man replies, “All you'd have to do is deliver messages once in a while between here and say Cooktown or Cairns that we can't trust to normal channels. We know that you can be trusted and nobody would be watching you. Why don't you at least think about it? In the meantime how about another beer before I hit the hay?”

Elaine's birthday was celebrated by some friends being invited to the house for coffee and cake. Her father, as usual, out did himself by giving her a bracelet as her present. Later Elaine and her friends go out for some fun.

Stalin invites his aides and generals in the meeting room to join him in a toast to the defeat of the Germans at Stalingrad. He remarks, “The vodka never tasted so good before, have some more.” The men in the room comply and the toasting goes on longer than most would care for, but to keep Stalin happy there's almost nothing they wouldn't do.

Remnants of the German 6th Army surrendered today. Out of the original 300,000 men only 96,000 remained to become POWs.

Victory Points Japanese 19532 Allied 7633

[tocaff]

February 3, 1943 Koumac

Intel

2634 men are based at Taejon.
Radio transmissions detected at Mishan.
Elements of the 110th Division are located at Paotang.
13th Air Fleet is located at Truk.
1st Army is planning for an attack on Sian.
18th Army is located at Port Moresby.
86985 men are based at Camranh Bay.
35th Division is located at Changsha.
3341 men are based at Hamamatsu.
2nd Area Army is located at Singapore.
187713 men are based at Truk.
1861 men are based at Tinian.
Radio transmissions detected at Vancouver.

Recon

R-12 takes recon photos of Arshaan 2 LCUs 5840/83/0
SB-2 takes recon photos of Chiamussu 6 LCUs 22840/278/7
SB-2 takes recon photos of Hailar 7 LCUs 43360/337/6
R-12 takes recon photos of Tabun-Nur 1 LCU 1580/13/0
Pe-2 takes recon photos of Mutanchiang 10 LCUs 37760/364/12
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Mandalay 154 fighters, 164 aux, 10 LCUs 37760/364/12
PB2Y Coronado takes recon photos of Munda nothing detected
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Wyndham 1 X DE, 12 X AK, 27 LCUs
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Koumac Heavy damage airbase, moderate damage port, 3 LCUs 24040/232/0
Catalina I takes recon photos of Rangoon 2 X SS, 1 X CL, 20 LCUs
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Makin 5 LCUs 11060/30/0

Combat

At Koumac the tranquil morning was shattered by the arrival of 141 X B-24D. When the bombs finally stopped raining down on the airbase heavy damage had been done and many secondary explosions were reported. A little later the 65th Brigade was attacked by 9 X F4F-4, 12 X SBD, 12 X Hudson, 21 X A-20B and 9 X A-20G. Moderate casualties were reported and again the planes departed unscathed. In the late morning Koumac was hit by 8 X F4F-4 and 26 X B-17E casing additional light damage to the airbase. No planes were damaged. Then came the afternoon and Koumac was targeted by 71 X B-17E and the port was hit for moderate damage and many secondary explosions were reported. The Allied pilots are liking these milk runs as no planes were damaged.

In the early morning 24 X P-38G swept Myitkyina and were opposed by 22 X Zero and 17 X Tony. A Zero was shot down and 4 X Tony were destroyed at a cost of 9 X P-38G destroyed and 5 more damaged.

Derby was raided by 17 X Zero, 57 X Tony and a Helen. The attack was unopposed and both sides sustained no damage.

Allied DDs 28 miles NE of Brisbane attacked and reportedly damaged an IJN sub. They lost contact, but kept up the hunt and reacquired contact an hour later. This time the sub was heavily hammered. Though a kill wasn't claimed it is suspected that the sub in question is heavily damaged and it's got a long way to get home.

Bill files all of his paperwork in a pouch and heads off to HQs to drop it off. He's looking forward to a morning run tomorrow as this waiting is driving him to distraction.

Palawan's crew has been granted shore leave, but they've been told not to wander outside of the town as there may be Japanese lurking.

“They won't surprise us Cookie,” says Red as he slips the collar and leash onto an exited Lucky.

“I'm not leaving the town limits because I've got no death wish. It's dangerous enough in this war without going and tempting fate,” replies Cookie.

FDR puffs on his cigarette and says, “George, with things going better for the Russians against the Germans Chairman Stalin has become more agreeable of late. What do you think about their latest approaches for more Lend Lease material? Should we up the anty without making stronger requests for basing? What they're offering of late is very little and maybe if they started shooting with the Japanese some troops in Australia or China would be needed to face them. Have the General Staff work something up for me so we'll be ready for come what may.”

“Pete have you given any thought to what we talked about?” the man asks.

“I have,” answers Pete, “I'd have to give you a negative answer though. I just got married, bought a business and already gave an arm to the fight. I don't think that I've got any more to contribute to this war at this point in time.”

Later that night at a nondescript building in Brisbane a man says, “Pete said no, but I'd bet my bottom dollar that he'll say yes in the future. OK, yes you may relate that to the General. Is their anything else sir?” Upon being dismissed the man leaves and heads back to the Story Bridge Hotel.

Victory Points Japanese 19547 Allied 7643

[tocaff]

February 4, 1943 Koumac

Intel

20th Army is located at Heiho.
Soya Fortress is located at Wakkanai.
148th IJA Base Force is located at Tokyo.
31st Heavy AA Battalion is located at Aomori.
1831 men are based at Gumma.
4584 men are based at Toyama.
Elements of the 32nd Division are located at Swatow.

Recon

Catalina I takes recon photos of Rangoon 3 X SS, 1 X CL, 20 LCUs
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Makin 5 LCUs 11180/30/0
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Gili Gili 2 X CA, 2 X APD, 3 X DE, 10 LCUs 27820/175/0
PB2Y Coronado takes recon photos of Tulagi 10 LCUs 20640/181/3
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Wyndham 28 LCUs
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Koumac Heavy damage to airbase and port, 3 LCUs 24300/225/0

Combat

The SS Pompon attacked and put a torpedo into an AP about 111 miles SW of Russell Island. The escorts never detected her.

Ed's TF unloads another bombardment on Makin and the BBs Mississippi, and California were hit by the defender's guns, with no effect. Japanese ground losses were thought to have been moderate.

The 136th IJNAF Base Force at Makin was attacked by 8 X P-38G and 48 X B-25C, 3 of which were damaged. It was reported that the Japanese had light loses. Later 7 X P-38G and 16 X TBF attacked Makin inflicting light casualties on the Japanese while 2 X TBF were damaged.

66 X B-24D attacked Koumac doing moderate damage to the airbase. No planes were damaged in the raid. At almost the same time 9 X F4F-4, 10 X P-40E, 16 X SBD, 11 X Hudson, 23 X A-20B and 9 X A-20G attacked the 65th Brigade at Koumac, which was thought to have sustained moderate casualties. No planes were damaged in the raid.
A few hours later 9 X F4F-4 and 33 X B-17E attacked Koumac doing moderate damage to the airbase. There were no Allied planes damaged. Still another attack on Koumac by 73 X B-17E did light damage to the port. No planes were damaged.

A PBY Catalina reported a shadow in water at Koumac and a PB2Y Coronado attacked what was thought to be an IJN submarine a little while later. No claims of hits were made.

Near Tarawa 3 X Nell and 4 X Betty attacked the TF and were met by 5 X P-38G. None of the fighters were damaged in the ensuing action and 3 X Nell and 4 X Betty went down in flames. No Allied shipping was damaged in the attack. A little while later the same TF was attacked by 3 X Nell and 5 X P-38G shot down one and damaged another. No Allied ships were hit and a P-38G was damaged. That afternoon the Allied TF near Tarawa was attacked again by 3 X Nell and 27 X Betty. The CAP of 5 X P-38G damaged all of the Nells, downed 2 X Betty and damaged 16 others. The DD Farragut and the AP President Garfield each were hit by a torpedo.

Still no orders and Bill wonders why. Frank has been summoned to HQs and he's nervous because his career hinges on this day. Bill has told him not to worry and that all will go well.

Gunny and the men of the 2nd Marine Division are just lazily resting. Some of the men go into the ocean for a swim while others just lie around. Slim has managed to find out that Jack is on a hospital ship. He was told that when they rotate out of here that maybe he can find him at Pearl Harbor. The men read and write letters and Slim has taken it on himself to write to Orsini's parents. In the letter he tells that their son was a well liked Marine and that he never let any of them down, even when things were rough. He closes with “I can't imagine how hard this loss must be for you as I know he's sorely missed by the guys. He was one of the finest people that I ever met.” He starts to cry and promises himself that he'll never become friendly with any of the new replacements when they arrive. The pain of loss is to great, he thinks.

Still swinging at anchor the Palawan and her crew bake in the sun. Lucky managed to get his first swimming session today. For a Weimaraner it had been expected that he'd take to the water well. To Red's surprise the dog, webbed paws and all was in a state of panic and fought going into the water.

“I tell you that this dog has no intentions of ever getting wet again, except for a bath,” Red tells Cookie.

“You mean to tell me that you just threw him into the pool?” Cookie laughs and continues, “I wish I had seen the dog's face, not to mention the owner of the pool. You never even asked for permission?”

“What're they going to do to me, ship me off to war?” Red answers.

Cookie is concerned with a growing fatalistic attitude that Red is developing.

“Pete, I'm off to the hospital. Don't forget that they want to see you later this morning. I gave the list to the grocer and the beer company will be by in the afternoon. Oh and this came for you about 15 minutes ago.” Sylvia hands Pete a bottle of Famous Grouse.

Pete stares at the bottle and knows in his gut what the hidden meaning is.

Victory Points Japanese 19553 Allied 7664

[tocaff]

February 5, 1943 Makin Island

Intel

2nd AA Regiment is located at Tokyo.
2nd Mountain Gun Regiment is located at Homan.
128th IJN Base Force is located at Iwo Jima.
124th IJA Base Force is located at Tavoy.
24029 men are based at Kanazawa.
Kitachishima Fortress is located at Paramushiro Jima.
13th AA Regiment is located at Maizuru.
17th Division is located at Homan.
2nd Base Force is located at Soerabaja.

Recon

PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Makin 5 LCUs 11560/33/0
PB2Y Coronado takes recon photos of Lunga 14 LCUs 12000/63/0
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Koumac 3 LCUs 23860/203/0

Combat

68 X B-17E attacked Koumac doing moderate damage to the port. There were many secondary explosions. No planes were damaged. 124 X B-24D staged an attack on Koumac a little later doing heavy damage to the airbase. There were no planes damaged. In another attack on 65th Brigade at Koumac 8 X F4F-4, 13 X P-40E, 16 X SBD, 10 X Hudson, 13 X A-20B and 12 X A-20G inflicted moderate troop loses. No planes were damaged. In the afternoon another attack on Koumac by 8 X F4F-4, 13 X P-40E and 42 X B-17E hit the airbase for moderate damage. There were no Allied planes damaged.

4 X P-38G and 9 X PB4Y attacked Makin doing light damage to the port and it was suspected the Japanese troops suffered light loses. A Liberator was damaged by ground fire.

The 136th IJNAF Base Force at Makin was attacked by 21 X P-38G and 42 X B-25C, of which 9 were damaged. There was not reported damage done by the raid.

In another attack on Makin 12 X P-38G and 16 X TBF (5 damaged) the same problem cropped up and there was no damage assessment done.

The invasion of Makin will take place tomorrow as the US Army will throw a division and an RCT onto the beaches in the effort to complete Operation Snowball.

A large air attack on Kweiyang by 26 X Zero, 20 X Tojo and 66 X Helen pounded the airbase for moderate damage and ground casualties were also moderate. No Japanese planes were damaged.

In the meantime the US Army's 25th Division continues unloading at Noumea. It will move overland to Koumac and then attempt to evict the Japanese interlopers there.

The CV Wasp is undergoing extensive repairs at Pearl Harbor while other damaged warships are departing for the yards in the USA.

“Dad, I think that tomorrow I'm going to go for a hike after breakfast so you'll be on your own for lunch. I need to get out of the house and you know how I love my hikes.” Sandy pauses as she remembers hiking with Bill and then continues, “That OK with you?”

“Sure, just be careful and watch the weather as it's been pretty cold lately,” says Dave.

Elaine reads a letter from her brother, who is a plane mechanic somewhere in Africa. She marvels at how little he actually says about where and what he's doing. Censorship is foolish as the enemy already knows where the troops are, she thinks. He says that keeping planes flying keeps him very busy and that he's with a good group of guys. He also says that he misses home cooking, but likes being away from Pittsburgh.

The pilots of VMF-222 are getting to the point of rebellion as more and more griping about being pilots and wanting to fly are being heard. PT was canceled due to lousy weather and so were the few flight that were scheduled.

Pete's visit to the doctor yesterday went well and the staff marvels at how well he's done in his recovery. His mental attitude is remarkable, considering what he went through and they give credit for that to Sylvia. Today Pete sits at his desk drinking tea and staring at the bottle of Famous Grouse. He wonders what's really wanted of him and it makes him angry. “How much do I have to give before they leave me the hell alone?” he says aloud.

“What did you say?” asks Sylvia from the hallway as she passes by.

Victory Points Japanese 19561 Allied 7668

[tocaff]

February 6, 1943 Brisbane

Intel

187099 men are based at Saipan.
7th Construction Battalion is planning for an attack on Chungking.
62nd Construction Battalion is located at Lunga.
17th Aviation Rgt is located at Ichang.
10564 men are based at Etorofo Jima.
1st Air Division is located at Ichang.
8054 men are based at Toyohara.
23rd Tank Regiment is located at Chiamussu.
45th Road Construction Battalion is located at Chiamussu.
25th Army is located at Wyndham.
4343 men are based at Kadina.

Recon

Catalina I takes recon photos of Rangoon 1 X CL, 1 X SS, 20 LCUs
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Makin 5 LCUs 14940/44/0
PB2Y Coronado takes recon photos of Lunga 14 LCUs 14940/109/0
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Wyndham 28 LCUs
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Koumac Airbase destroyed, port moderately damaged, 3 LCUs 24460/220/0

Combat

Coastal guns fired at the amphibious force landing Allied troops at Makin. The CL Raleigh was hit twice and an AP suffered multiple hits. Allied troops going ashore have suffered heavily. Later in the day the Coastal Guns at Makin continued their deadly fire and hit the CL Honolulu. More troops were slaughtered hitting the beach as Japanese mortars, machine guns and artillery are zeroed in.

Makin's port was hit for light damage by 13 X F4F-4, 14 X P-38G, 16 X SBD and 9 X TBF. 7 X SBD and 4 X TBF were damaged in the attack.

The Allied troops tried to push inland and suffered heavy loses while it was thought that the Japanese defenders also suffered heavily. Very little ground, if any was gained.

119 X B-24D raided Koumac doing moderate damage to the airbase. No planes were damaged. While the big birds were hammering the airfield the 65th Brigade, defending Koumac, was attacked by 9 X F4F-4, 13 X SBD, 9 X Hudson, 9 X A-20B and 9 X A-20G. Ground loses were thought to be light and no planes were damaged. Later the airbase at Koumac was attacked by 8 X F4F-4, 13 X P-40E and 32 X B-17E, which did light damage to the already shattered facilities. No Allied planes were hit. Still another raid of 65 X B-17E bombed the port at Koumac doing light damage to it. All planes left undamaged.

Derby was hit by 17 X Zero and 56 X Tony, of which 4 X Tony were destroyed and another was damaged. A snooping Dinah was also destroyed by the CAP of 6 X Spitfire, 4 of which never returned to base.

A radio report from a coast watcher at Shortlands reported an that IJN ML apparently hit a mine and was heavily damaged and burning.

The SS Tuna was attacked by IJN DDs about 53 miles from Wyndham, but she escaped without damage.

The SS Grayback laid her mines at Darwin, but was spotted by a Japanese plane. When she was leaving the area on the surface a Nell pounced on her. Luckily the attacker missed by a wide margin and a collective sigh of relief was the order of the day on the sub.

Another heavy raid on Kweiyang caused moderate damage and light casualties. The Japanese planes left undamaged.

Sandy's hike has turned into an ordeal due to deep snow and very low temperatures. She's dressed warmly and is prepared, but she’s getting exhausted. She turns back towards home and pictures Dave with a mug of hot coffee greeting her. Through sheer will power she manages to keep going and upon reaching home collapses in a heap.

“Dad, I think I'll skip hiking until the Spring. How about something nice and hot, like some coffee.

Dave hugs her and wraps a blanket around a shivering icicle.

“OK,” says the man, “If you're leery of playing by our ground rules I'd like to hear yours.”

“One, I will not be willing to go behind enemy lines. Two, I will not go anywhere near enemy lines. Three, I will not accept any assignment that will take me more than two weeks away from my home at any time. Four, I will not accept fast turn arounds and be running right back out again on another mission. Five, I reserve the right to refuse any mission at any time. Six, nobody from the family will ever be dragged into this without my consent. Finally Sylvia must know what I am doing and for who or else it's a no go.”

“You certainly drive a hard bargain, but as I said you'll be a courier in safe areas and the hotel's financing will be paid off for you immediately upon our agreeing to you helping us.” The man sits back in his seat and finishes his beer while Pete peers at him over his cup of tea.

“I'll discuss this with Sylvia and then give you your answer tomorrow. That OK with you?” says Pete as he gets up from his desk. He's not happy about this, but the chance to help drive the Japanese from his new home and maybe a bit of payback is to much to resist, as long as it's on his terms.

The Russians took Yeysk, cutting off Army Group A.

Victory Points Japanese 19592 Allied 7681

Real life has been very difficult lately and though I try some days I just can't get to the AAR and for that I apologize to you, my readers.

I'm leaving tomorrow for the beach where there is no internet access. I will return in 2011 with more. [8D]

[tocaff]

February 7, 1943 Makin Island

Intel

1st Reserve AA Regiment is located at Kyoto.
China Expeditionary Army is located at Changsha.
8th Fleet is located at Gili Gili.
13th Army is planning for an attack on Chungking.
7th Air Division is located at Tokyo.
Canton Base Force is located at Canton.
3rd Hvy Field Artillery Regiment is located at Wyndham.
Burma Area Army is located at Rangoon.
1831 men are based at Hakodate.
Iki Fortress is located at Ikitsuki.
22nd Aviation Unit is located at Brunei.
Hoyo Fortress is located at Osumi.

Recon

PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Makin 5 LCUs 15280/56/0
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Port Moresby 1 X AK, 1 X DE, 45 fighters, 70 aux, 30 LCUs
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Darwin 2 X CA, 14 LCUs 12700/45/0
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Koumac Airbase destroyed, port moderate damage, 3 LCUs, 24160/227/0
Catalina I takes recon photos of Rangoon 3 X CL, 3 X SS, 1 X MSW, 20 LCUs
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Mandalay 148 fighters, 195 aux, 10 LCUs 19280/287/7

Combat

The Japanese guns at Makin continued to speak out against the American invasion hitting 3 X AP and causing moderate casualties.

An attack on 66th Naval Guard Unit at Makin by 15 X P-38G, 2 X SBD, 9 X B-25C and 4 X PB4Y caused light casualties. An SBD, 2 X B-25C and 2 X PB4Y were damaged. The 135th IJN Base Force was attacked by 9 X P-38G, 11 X SBD, 23 X B-25C and 6 X PB4Y. The Japanese had moderate casualties and the Americans lost a PB4Y and had the following damaged: 2 X SBD, 4 X B-25C and 2 X PB4Y. The Japanese troops suddenly rose up out of their shelters and attacked the Allied forces in a desperate, but vain effort to dislodge the invaders from their toehold on Makin. The Americans mauled the Banzai charge and the Japanese suffered very heavy casualties while the Americans sustained moderate loses. Not long after the Japanese attack had run it's course the Americans launched their own assault. They had light casualties and inflicted moderate loses on the Japanese, but more importantly the Japanese defenses were breached and Allied commanders now expect the next attack to take the island.

In the early morning an attack on Koumac by 3 X F4F-4, 3 X P-40E and 41 X B-17E did light damage to the port. As usual no planes were damaged. Simultaneously and attack on 65th Brigade by 6 X F4F-4, 13 X P-40E, 16 X SBD, 14 X Hudson, 11 X A-20B and 12 X A-20G inflicted moderated casualties and no planes were damaged.

Derby was raided by 12 X Zero, 32 X Tony, 27 X Helen and were opposed by 6 X Spitfire. One Helen went down in flames and 6 more were reportedly damaged as was a Dinah, who was poking around. Two of the Spits were destroyed and two more were damaged as the airbase took light damage and the personnel suffered lightly.

Another day, another air raid on Kweiyang caused moderate damage to the airbase and light casualties to the Chinese troops stationed there. No Japanese planes were reported to have been damaged.

IJN MSWs found and started sweeping a mine field at Darwin

The SS O20 was attacked by IJN DDs about 137 miles NE of Wyndham, but she avoided any damage.

O'Bannon's crew is loading her ammunition lockers as all repairs have been completed. Bill has been informed that he'll be losing Frank in the not to distant future as he'll be given his own command. Bill is happy for his exec and saddened at the prospect of O'Bannon losing a fine officer and man.

“You crazy girl insisting on going so far in such foul weather. Damn it at to hell Sandy you know better. What would I do without you? You're a smart girl who sometimes can do the dumbest things.” Dave hands Sandy a hot bowl of oatmeal and says, “Here this'll stick to your ribs.”

Sandy accepts the bowl and meekly says, “You're right, I was stupid. I wasn't paying attention to what was going on around me. My mind was thousands of miles away.” They eat breakfast and Sandy hopes that she's heard the last of this.

“You can't be serious about going to work for them,” says Sylvia. “Why in the world would you get involved when we have so much here?” She knows that once Pete has decided on something it's almost impossible to change his mind. She then says, “I suppose mom and dad could help out when you need to leave. I want you to know that I don't like this, but if it's what you must do then I'm going to support you.”

Later that day the man is having a beer and Pete says that he's in as long as everything remains on acceptable terms. The man nods and says that he'll let him know when he's needed.

Shoe rationing started in the USA today. Civilians are now limited to 3 pairs of leather shoes per year.

Victory Points Japanese 19601 Allied 7693

[tocaff]

February 8, 1943 Makin Island

Intel

2nd Area Army is located at Singapore.
5905 men are based at Niigata.
2nd AA Regiment is located at Tokyo.
8th Ind. Brigade is located at Chengting.
Botanko Hvy Gun Regiment is located at Tsitsihar.
1834 men are based at Gumma.
5th AA Regiment is located at Niigata.
3rd Construction Battalion is located at Changsha.
Yokosuka Reserve Coastal Artillery Regiment is located at Tokyo.
1827 men are based at Hakodate.
Amami Oshima Fortress is located at Amami.
51st Construction Battalion is located at Changchun.
1st Army is planning for an attack on Sian.
1859 men are based at Naha.

Recon

SB-2 takes recon photos of Heiho 9 LCUs 64440/789/28
Pe-2 takes recon photos of Fushan 1 LCU 1600/4/0
R-12 takes recon photos of Tabun-Nur 1 LCU 1180/9/0
SB-2 takes recon photos of Chiamussu 33 fighters, 43 aux, 6 LCUs 29240/279/5
Pe-2 takes recon photos of Mutanchiang 10 LCUs 23540/332/166
R-12 takes recon photos of Changkufeng 9 LCUs 49480/327/7
SB-2 takes recon photos of Hailar 7 LCUs 42820/353/8
R-12 takes recon photos of Arshaan 2 LCUs 5500/71/0
Catalina I takes recon photos of Rangoon 3 X CL, 2 X SS, 19 LCUs 27500/426/15
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Pagan 1 LCU 620/0/0
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Port Moresby 1 X DE, 1 X AK, 30 LCUs
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Makin 5 LCUs 15060/18/0

Combat

As more Allied troops came ashore at Makin the Japanese guns inflicted light casualties. The Japanese troops shelled the Allied forces, who suffered no loses and counter battery fire silenced them quickly. The Allied troops then attacked and took the base. Allied loses were light and the Japanese were thought to have suffered moderate casualties. Now the mop up operation begins.

A naval bombardment of Koumac caused moderate casualties and damage to base facilities.

The sub Tuna attacked IJN DDs about 140 miles from Darwin, but failed to hit anything. After a brief and scattered counter by the Japanese she slipped away unharmed.

Another air raid on Kweiyang that caused heavy damage to the unused runway and moderate damage to the airbase facilities. Casualties were reportedly light and the Japanese left unscathed.

Repairs to the CV Wasp are proceeding on schedule as the workmen swarm over her in an effort to get her ready for battle as soon as possible.

Sandy is feeling back to normal today and to prove it she made a big breakfast for Dave and then started cleaning the house. He is happy to see that she's her old self.

The men of Palawan watch the sky over Noumea as Allied planes come and go in what seems to be a constant flow. Rumors of an ongoing battle at the other end of the island abound. Cookie is content that the Japanese aren't in this area and Red says he won't feel at ease until they're off the island entirely.

One of Stick's buddies was on a routine training flight this morning and didn't return. In the evening word passes through the squadron that the wreckage of the plane was found, but no body was recovered. Stick is depressed by this and others try to cheer him up, but he has a gut feeling that many of them won't survive the war.

FDR met with members of the General Staff and future Pacific operations were discussed. It was decided that all CENPAC units that are on loan to other areas will be returned starting in late May of this year. A big push is planned and the available forces will need to be beefed up. Australia continues to vex them and they decide to continue with the current strategy and hope that success will ultimately turn Australia into a Japanese POW camp.

Stalin is very happy with the way things have been going against the Germans lately and he has new plans drawn up to deal with the Japanese. He wants to be prepared if the Japanese break the uneasy truce that exists when the Americans ship men, supplies and planes into Soviet bases.

The Red Army took Kursk today.

Victory Points Japanese 19599 Allied 7713

[tocaff]

February 9, 1943 Noumea

Intel

Karafuto Mixed Brigade is located at Shikka.
35th Brigade is located at Rangoon.
138th IJN Base Force is located at Darwin.
Elements of the 9th Mongolian Cavalry Division are located at Shanghai.
4th Fleet is located at Port Moresby.
1840 men are based at Pagan.
4th Reserve AA Regiment is located at Kagoshima.
15th Tank Regiment is located at Homan.
3rd Construction Battalion is planning for an attack on Chungking.
36th Division is located at Ichang.
Elements of the 22nd Division are located at Shanghai.
25th Army is located at Wyndham.
2651 men are based at Taejon.
Radio transmissions detected at Vancouver.

Recon

Catalina I takes recon photos of Rangoon 1 X CL, 3 X SS, 2 X PT, 19 LCUs 30180/447/18
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Lashio 2 LCUs 4820/30/0
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Gili Gili 8 LCUs
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Port Moresby 1 X AK, 1 X DE, 63 fighters, 56 aux, 30 LCUs
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Koumac 3 LCUs 22440/205/0

Combat

The Allied troops at Makin lobbed artillery shells into the Japanese positions causing what were believed to have been very light casualties. The Allied troops are resting before the push begins to clear Makin of all resistance. An attack is planned for tomorrow.

IJN MSWs at Shortlands located and started sweeping mines.

The SS Pompon attacked a ML 65 miles SW of Shortlands, but failed to score a hit.

Once again the Japanese planes attacked Kweiyang causing moderate damage and light casualties.

Ed's TF now sets course for Pearl Harbor for repairs and upgrades to the ships. He's very happy with the performance of his old gals.

The initial plans for Operation Revenge are now being put in motion. The retaking of Wake Island is seen by the US government and military as a vehicle to boost the morale of the nation. Supplies and fuel will be positioned and troops will follow. Ships will be the last piece of the puzzle to be put into place. There is no timetable for the attack as of yet.

Allied shipyards are being strained to keep up with repairs and upgrades to shipping. As new hulls are delivered to the Navy plans become bolder.

Stick's fellow pilots have been briefed on the new planes handling and performance characteristics. After the meeting the pilots are drooling at the thought of getting into a Corsair’s cockpit. Tomorrow's flight schedule was posted and Stick is listed for an afternoon training session.

Routine maintenance aboard the Palawan has been stepped up as orders have been given and another supply run will be made to an unknown destination. The men await their turn to begin loading the ship with the tools of war. They also form a pool, at the cost of $10 to enter, as to where they'll be going this time. Cookie has picked Auckland and Red took Luganville and that caused a couple of men to grumble.

Sylvia and Pete went for one of their morning walks as she has the day off. They meet many people that they know and exchange pleasantries with them. Upon their return Pete sets about taking care of business and Sylvia takes on the books making sure that their bills are paid and orders placed. They are doing quite well and she's never been happier in her life, but the thought of Pete running errands for the Allies worries her.

The Russians retook Belgorod today.

Victory Points Japanese 19602 Allied 7718

[tocaff]

February 10, 1943 Portland

Intel

164 aircraft are based at Mukden.
85791 men are based at Taan.
48712 men are based at Maloelap.
40th Division is planning for an attack on Sian.
15th Field Artillery Regiment is located at Homan.
Home Defense Force is located at Tokyo.
1st Reserve AA Regiment is located at Kyoto.
Nagasaki Fortress is located at Nagasaki.
8th Ind. Brigade is located at Chengting.
4th Mixed Regiment is located at Myitkyina.
5th Mortar Battalion is located at Port Moresby.
1838 men are based at Hakodate.
Kure 5th SNLF is located at Port Moresby.
Radio transmissions detected at Prince Rupert.

Recon

Catalina I takes recon photos of Rangoon 1 X CL, 3 X SS, 20 LCUs
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Wyndham 1 X DE, 5 X AK, 25 LCUs
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Koumac 3 LCUs 24380/210/0

Combat

The 65th Brigade at Koumac was pounded by 9 X F4F-4, 12 X P-40E, 16 X SBD, 11 X Hudson, 11 X A20B, 12 X A-20G and 39 X B-17E. Ground loses were pegged at moderately heavy and all of the planes were unharmed. No sooner had the dust settled than the 65th Brigade was attacked again, this time by by 29 X B-17E and 61 X B-24D. All of the planes dumped their loads and departed with no damage. The Japanese troops again suffered through the rain of bombs and casualties were thought to have been heavy.

The 136th IJNAF Base Force at Makin was pounced on by 30 X P-38G, 15 X SBD, 29 X TBF, 36 X B-25C and 6 X PB4Y. Causalities were estimated to have been heavy and a lone TBF was damaged. Then the Allied troops launched an attack inflicting moderate casualties on the Japanese and took moderate loses themselves. The Japanese who grudgingly give up ground refuse to surrender in a lost cause, instead preferring to die.

18 X Zero, 53 X Tony and a Dinah along for snooping attacked Derby and were opposed by 7 X Spitfire. 5 X Tony were destroyed as were 5 of the Spits.

IJN MSWs continued sweeping ops at Shortlands.

Stick climbs into the cockpit of a F4F-3 and runs through the checklist. The engine is then started and once it is running smoothly he taxis to the end of the runway, holding short awaiting clearance to take off. Once he gets the OK he releases the brakes and pushes the throttle forward and the plane begins to roll. He lines up on the runway pushing the throttle to full power and the planes begins to slowly roll, building up speed. As he lifts off with a gentle pulling back on the stick the engine suddenly quits. He curses loudly and tries to ease the plane back down to the ground, but with little runway left to stop the onrushing plane coming to a safe stop is impossible. The plane leaves the runway and immediately noses over throwing Stick against the harness that prevents him from being thrown out of his seat. An ambulance arrives with a crash truck within a couple of minutes and by then Stick is out of the plane after turning off all electrical components to prevent a fire from a possible fuel leak. He's taken to the base hospital and is diagnosed as having suffered a separated shoulder, sprained wrist, contused knee and a badly bruised ego. After the doctor is done with him he's told that it'll be a while before he's fit to fly and he's also excused PT.

Dave is talking with a customer and says, “This damned war is dragging on forever. the Navy should just sail to Tokyo and shell the hell out of them. This rationing of stuff is getting ridiculous. First gasoline, then coffee and now shoes what the hell is next? You can't drive there without gas and if you walk you'll end up barefoot.” The man nods in agreement and joins Dave in the garage as they continue talking.

“We're scheduled to load on Friday so I guess if you're going to take Lucky for a walk it's today and tomorrow and then who knows,” the Captain says to Red.

“Any word on where we're bound?” asks Red who wants to know out of more than curiosity.

“We'll know when it's time to sail and not before,” replies the Captain. “you in the pool?” he asks. Red nods and heads off to find Cookie and Lucky.

Bill has received orders stating that O'Bannon will act as flag for a convoy bound from Pearl to Midway. Preparations for sailing are underway and a few minor problems are being attended to by the various repair parties. Bill is happy that Frank will still be aboard for this mission.

Victory Points Japanese 19609 Allied 7740

[Capt. Harlock]

Stick climbs into the cockpit of a F4F-3 and runs through the checklist. The engine is then started and once it is running smoothly he taxis to the end of the runway, holding short awaiting clearance to take off. Once he gets the OK he releases the brakes and pushes the throttle forward and the plane begins to roll. He lines up on the runway pushing the throttle to full power and the planes begins to slowly roll, building up speed. As he lifts off with a gentle pulling back on the stick the engine suddenly quits.

Well, at this point he should be at least flying a -4 Wildcat, if not a Corsair.[:D]

[tocaff]

New aircraft go to combat units and the older stuff is used for training. All through the war units contended with planes that were tired in spite of huge production numbers as the demands of combat were difficult to keep up with.

February 11, 1943 Makin Island

Intel

Soya Fortress is located at Wakkanai.
Nanking Naval Guard Unit is located at Nanking.
15th Mortar Battalion is located at Rabaul.
15th Tank Regiment is planning for an attack on Sian.
1st Air Division is located at Ichang.
25th Engineer Regiment is located at Sendai.
36314 men are based at Chiamussu.
102nd IJA Base Force is located at Harbin.
21st Air Flotilla is located at Singapore.
18363 men are based at Shikka.

Recon

Catalina I takes recon photos of Rangoon 1 X CL, 3 X SS, 19 LCUs 30820/404/15
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Myitkyina 27 fighters, 48 aux, 6 LCUs 27840/253/8
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Gili Gili 18 LCUs 18220/103/0
F-5A Lightning takes recon photos of Port Moresby 1 X AK, 1 X DE, 72 fighters, 117 aux, 30 LCUs
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Wyndham 3 X DE, 1 X PC, 10 X AK, 26 LCUs
PBY Catalina takes recon photos of Koumac 3 LCUs 23920/216/0

Combat

The Americans attacked the 65th Brigade at Koumac again inflicting moderate loses on the Japanese troops. All of the Allied planes left without any damage. Another attack on 65th Brigade followed within the hour and again loses were thought to be moderate. No planes were damaged.

An air raid on 135th IJNAF Base Force at Makin resulted in what was thought to have been heavy casualties. No Allied planes were harmed in the attack. Another attack at Makin by Allied planes, this time on the 136th IJNAF Base Force, caused light loses. No planes were damaged in the raid. Then the Allied troops attacked the Japanese after the planes softened things up a bit. Japanese loses were heavy while the Americans sustained light casualties. The attrition wiped out the Japanese defenders and as a result the 66th Naval Guard Unit, the 4th NLF, the 135th IJN Base Force and the 135th IJNAG Base Force ceased to exist. The American troops have been warned that the odd Japanese soldier still alive here and there pose a continuing threat and that they should remain alert.

The SS Hake attacked an IJN ASW TF 127 miles SE of Shimizu and succeeded in putting a fish into the side of a DD. The heavily damaged ship was burning and the Hake managed to silently make good her escape.

Still another in the daily attacks on Kweiyang caused heavy damage to the airbase. Ground loses were light, but the Chinese are helpless against these raids without proper AA weapons and better planes.

Pete thinks it odd that the man who was pestering him to become a messenger boy has suddenly given him a wide berth. Maybe with any luck they'll have nothing for me to do, he thinks while drinking his tea. Sylvia returns from the hospital and freshens up before joining him in the pub. They discuss things and he stares at her not believing that a beauty like her would have anything to do with him. “I'm the luckiest guy there ever was because I've got you,” he tells her giving her a kiss on the forehead.

O'Bannon weighs anchor and her charges form into their columns with the escorts in their positions. The trip to Midway, though not a long voyage, is considered a risky voyage especially since the amount of traffic has increased for Operation Revenge. Bill watches his crew go about their various jobs in a calm and professional manner and when they're 7 hours out of Pearl Frank runs the first of a series of drills that he has planned to keep them sharp.

Palawan moves dockside and her loading will commence at dawn. Due to blackout restrictions there can be no night loading. Red and Cookie head ashore for a walk with Lucky and a last chance to stretch their legs. While they walk conversation turns to business and the pair wonder if they'll ever see Hawaii again during the war.

“I'd leave Palawan except that she's a lucky ship with a good captain and crew,” says Cookie.

Red agrees and adds with a wink, “Palawan's got a pretty good galley too.”

Stick is sore and parts of him that he never even knew he had hurt today. He is being debriefed and at the end of the session he says, “You'd think that old -3s would've been out of service by now, but here in the States we fly whatever crap they throw at us. When will we get our Corsairs?” The officer just looks at him and says nothing. Later when he is visited by some of the other pilots they all grumble about the planes they get to fly while awaiting their new ones.

Slim and Gunny are relaxing when 7 new replacements arrive. Gunny assigns them to their new squads and leaves it for them to get sorted out. “You know I do believe that I'm getting to old for this crap,” he says to Slim. “Look at them, babies. Hell I'm old enough to be their father.”

“Maybe you are,” replies a smiling Slim.


Victory Points Japanese 19622 Allied 7745