error












 May 22nd, 1942





Visited the premier's

 wet as it drizzled and rained.




Oct 2nd Started at Med. Ward yesterday. Tongan dispensary at Kolavai in the afternoon and saw about 10 patients. At 4:45 about 40 of us (nurses and officers) set out by truck for the USN Battleship Washington. We picked up 3 WAACs, and boarded a launch and some got quite a dousing on the trip out. We were received very cordially and were shown about the ship--which is the sister ship of the N. Carolina-- 35,000 tons. It bristles with all type of armament--the largest are 16” --of which there are 9. I met a Lt. (1q) Meinschen from Indiana and spent most of the evening with him. We had a buffet supper--with ice cream and cup cakes and saw a movie “Babes in Arms” which I had seen before. it was a very pleasant evening and we left at about 10:30 arriving at the hospital at about 11:30.



I learned that the WASP definitely was sunk south of the Solomons and that the N. Carolina was struck by a torpedo. The Washington is the only Battleship left in the area--and will probably back to the states. Many lives were lost in the Wasp sinking.








Col. and Kidder went into dinner just after the rest of us last night and had steak--bad for the moral. The dissatisfaction is general--and the administration unit is generally disliked and disrespected.


On my trip down in the Atlantic when the German submarine was contacted the Hunter Leggett was put on the alert and there was general tension aboard the ship. There is a story that one of our officers was so affected that he manifested it by a sympathetic response witnessed by a private who was promoted to an NCO to keep his mouth shut. (The officer was K.). We knew about the submarine--were not put on the alert since the destroyer dropping







Some mail arrived last n night but I did not receive any (air mail from Java)



Won 38c from Gaypol last night from playing Gin Rummy. The rain has stopped--sun is shining and it promised to be a hot day.






The news is promising-but I don’t know just how much to believe. We are all fed up with our position now and are hoping for a change.






Oct 8th Received 21 letters yesterday and spent 2 hours reading it. It felt good hearing from all at home. Got a letter from Ed, also. Will take time out to respond today or tomorrow.




I went down to the rectory for the Tapa I had ordered from Father Calais, paid $16.30. There are some very nice pieces.


Spent the evening at the club--Margaret's sending me a subscription to the Readers Digest.


Oct 9th Rounds, medical reading, wrote 3 letters, attended clinical meeting (almost wrote "mutiny" instead of "meeting") --movie "East side of Heaven" and to bed. The 147th has been put on the alert and will probably leave--probably to reinforce the Solomon’s.


There has been plenty of dissatisfaction about the mess--. There have been attempts to improve it--a mess counsel has been appointed--but their hands are tied since Weinberg is refractory--and backed by the Administrative Corps. The only way it will be improved will be to oust the mess officer. The Quonset hut obtained for the mess are being sent to the farm. Our farm is the only one run by the Army.

Oct 10th--A year ago today I started on the Caribbean Cruise.


Nothing new--wrote some letters yesterday--read--and went for a swim in the afternoon--and took a walk with Eleanor last night. The nurses had a meeting with Col. Meaghan last night and threshed out a few difficulties but did not accomplish anything. There is a lot of dissatisfaction due to mismanagement --but things will just continue without any change.

The 147th Inf. will leave in about 4 days with 1400 men--for a small island about 200 miles from here--and are going to prepare it as a base of some sort. Yesterday was uneventful. I packed away the gifts I bought--and will probably send them out in a few days. Lost $1.00 to Willy at the club last night.


Changed my insignia from shoulder to collar--removing the U.S. Wrote to the children yesterday. The men who first entered the army are receiving elevations in rank, those who are even stationed there. It hardly seems cricket--as will probably remain in the same rank. Thank the Army



Book #2

Personal Diary of Lt. Jos F. LaBarbera


Task Time 0051 I


Tonga Tabu (Houma)




(Task Force Disbanded)


Fiji (Sambeto Valley


Oct-1942-June 1943)



Oct 12--Columbus Day--but its just like any other day. Holidays are a thing of the past for us--and they come and go without any comment.


On starting on this second book, I only hope that we shall be out of here before I finish it. Received a letter from Barbara Allen last night full of information about P.G. Pronhas (?) is a commando and in transport now. I wish I were with him--He had a streak of luck when he could not get his teeth fixed in time. I hope to see him out this way some time.






Oct 13--Rounds, medical reading, a session--movies (Green Hell”) and a game of Gin Rummy with Gaypol--won 21 c.

A supply ship came in--the first in several months--now I can shine my shoes when I have not been able to do for about a month.


The days are rather long. We get up at 5:30 and go to our battle stations--where we stay until 6:15. We then dress, shave and go to breakfast until about 7:15. I return here--write in my diary, read or write a letter and them make rounds until about 9:30.




The days are rather long. We get up at 5:30 and go to our battle stations--where we stay until 6:15. We then dress, shave, and go to breakfast until about 7:15. I return here--write in my diary, read or write a letter and then make rounds until about 9:20. Then 9:30 to 12 I read some medical literature and spend the afternoon reading, napping, or taking a swim. At 4:30 we have supper after which I make brief rounds to see if all are comfortable and then usually spend the evening playing cards--at the movies (twice a week). I usually turn out at 9:30 or 10 PM--read for about 15-30 minutes to end the day. All our days are for the most part identical.



Oct 14th--Medical meeting yesterday--Saw a case of elephantiasis of the genitals. Day presented the case of atropine poisoning which I treat and also one of strychnine poisoning from habitual use of alophen.

Heard the president’s speech last night --transcribed--over the radio.

Heard today for the first time that the Duke of Kent was killed in a plane crash.


Rumors are scarce these days.

Beat Jones at Gin Rummy last night.



Oct 15th--Quiet day--read all afternoon--Life and Time. Gin Rummy with Him--and just about beat him.


A cruiser came from the war department, asking for volunteers for the parachute corps. Day is thinking of going--and I’m considering it. I’ll wait until I get more particulars.


Part of the 147th inf is moving out today. I think they are headed for the Solomons where it is pretty hot--as there is a lot of fighting going on.


Oct 16th--Thought out the proposition about the parachute troops thoroughly yesterday and decided I’d pass it by. Had a real hard job making up my mind.

There has been considerable activity in the Solomon area. The Japs destroyed over 60 planes in a surprise attack, leaving only 13. There have been ship losses too. The folks at home get only the rosy side of the picture. We've had terrific losses in that area.

Took a swim yesterday. Movie “For Love of Money” last night, then Jim beat me at Gin Rummy. We now mess in a Quonset Hut which is a big improvement over the tent.


Oct 17th--There is plenty of activity down here--12 Army flyers left yesterday--notified at 12--left at 1--for the Solomons. The Jap transports were sunk yesterday--but our position in the Solomons is said to be precarious.



Oct 18th--We have only half of our air force now--about 12 pilots and planes. The Japs are said to have landed at Guadalcanal. I'm afraid we are going to have plenty of casualties.



Mailed the package yesterday-- and wrote a letter to the family and then invested in some clothing at the PX--socks, shorts, handkerchiefs, boots and caps.


There was a party at club last night for the Hunter Leggett Officers. It was not as good as our past parties--However I enjoyed the orchestra music (147th Inf orchestra). I had had about 3 1/2 qts of New Zealand beer---most while playing Gin Rummy with Jim in his tent before the party.


I received my uniform allowance of $150 yesterday and will send a money order at the beginning of the month.


Oct 19th--Rumor running about that Guadalcanal has fallen to the Japs-15, 000 troops are said to have landed. These rumors have not been confirmed.




Went to a movie down at the naval base yesterday afternoon--Went down in the truck with about 6 others. “A Gentleman at Heart”. Played Gin Rummy with a Schleiss and won a dollar.



The morale is slipping and about 6 of the men are taking strongly to drink and wander about drunk all day. There will probably be a lot more before this is over. Harris’ tent went up in flames last night--the whole front flap and mosquito net were ruined--it happened about midnight and Gardener and Johnson were suspected of setting it ablaze. There are no other officer’s tents to replace it. A mean trick if it were intentional.


I saw the Barnett in the harbor yesterday--and would give almost anything to be embarking for the states.


Watermelons are in season now. --Complaints came in that the natives are missing a lot of them from the adjoining property. Watermelons cost $1 for 24 lbs.


Day has been going about in acute depression since the General would not permit transferal to the paratroops.


Some airmail arrived last night but I did not get any.



The weather has been getting progressively hotter--but very cool at night. I have been reading behind my tent--and have been gradually acquiring a tan.


Oct 20th--Today is Eddie's birthday. I hope that he will have many many more. The 147th is moving out--probably to the Solomons.


Twenty-eight ships are said to have been sunk at Pearl Harbor--and 2000 were killed in an administration building which collapsed.



Saw a relatively good movie last nite, “Dangerously They Live.”

I had a close-up of a young flying fox yesterday. It was about 6” long--with a wingspread of about 20”--claw like feet-- covered c’ fur and it also had a tongue. The head looked like a foxes. The wings were membranous. The face was rat-like.


Oct 21st--There is plenty of activity going on--The 58th Pursuit Squadron has been alerted--and is going to be replaced by New Zealanders. The 1st Battalion of the 147th has gone--and the 3rd has been alerted--the 147th will be no more when they are gone; the 2ndbattalion is at Suma. They will all probably see action in the Solomons.


Our task force is under General Harmons who is stationed at New Caledonia. We might be moved out after all.


They say that 100 WAACs from New Zealand are expected here in the island and they will be welcomed.

Our nurses in general are of very poor quality--inefficient--irresponsible, altho there are some good ones. There is a lot of friction amongst various groups, and they have a very poor leader who should have been removed before we embarked. For the most part they are a coarse group and are much provoked because the doctors pay very little attention to them. I maintain that things would be much better if men were given a short course on nursing in the states---to go overseas as nurses, and to leave the womenfolk at home. We’d be much better off without them.

Oct 22nd- The 147th is not heading directly to the Solomons but is going to an island about 200 miles N.W. of Fiji-- and about 500 mi from the Solomons. (Santa Cruz)

One of our nurses, Miss Callahan, was married yesterday. Until almost 2 mos ago this was not permitted--She married a lieutenant in the 77th C.A.



I wrote to Gladys Ojida yesterday-in response to a letter I received about 10 mos ago-. It will probably take quite some time to reach Santiago, Chile.



The public at home, according to reports. (radio- magazines, newspapers) think that everything was in our favor in the Solomons--- However, the Japs are preparing an offensive which I believe will recoup the islands without much difficulty. A few weeks ago the Washington was the only battleship in that area--and she left because it would have been suicide to remain. Tonga has been in the past the rendezvous for our fleet before entering into the Theater of Operations. There has been no such activity in months. The taking of the Solomon's was no great victory as is commonly believed.

Oct 23rd--We lost two more destroyers in the Solomon area in the past few days--the Meredith and the O'Brien. A few were lost on the Meredith--but all were saved on the O'Brien.


Ralph made a 2-1 bet ($10 - $5) that we would be here next Oct 22.

I was asked this morning to discuss Meningitis at the Medical Conference on Tuesday. Mac is going to present two cases of meningitis in the hospital.



We have been seeing many cases of Atypical (virus) Pneumonia. I have three cases in my ward now.

Oct 24th--Worked up part of my paper in the morning--A swim in the afternoon, then went to a party on the farm, celebrating Bob Ackerly’s wedding anniversary--. We went down in a truck--about twelve of us--Cols M. C. Kelvy, + Hattan, Majors Jones, Curtis, Preston, & Slattery and Ackerly, Capts Benjamin, Alley, Schlein, Gaypohl + Legett and Graff, Lts, Grove and myself. The farm consists of several acres of clearing--with a large trim lawn, tennis court, a nicely planned house with an open veranda on the side, leading into a screened bedroom. There were a couple of other houses--kitchen, barn, and a vegetable patch. The cleared area is surrounding by acres on acres of dense coconut trees aligned uniformly.

We started off with whisky sours concocted to suit our palates by Bob Preston. They were both excellent and potent and the party speedily developed into a state of loquaciousness, well being and good fellowship. We had the best meal I've had since we left the states, consisting of steak, onions, mashed potatoes, succotash, fresh tender corn (grown on the farm)-- ice cream & cake and coffee, and rounded off with an excellent cigar. Employed at the farm is a New Zealand white about 45 or 50 who stayed when the rest were evacuated. He landed on Tonga Tabu 23 years ago-- married, ad has a daughter now serving as ambulance driver in England. We asked him how he happened to come to Tonga--and he said “Wanderlust“--but there may have been something else behind it. The farm is 54 yrs old and belonged to a German--who was sent to N.Z. as he was an alien although he tried to obtain British citizenship. Germany also refused--so he is actually a man without a country.


When I returned I took over the O.D. job which Finnegan was holding down for me. At about 12M I was awakened --and Father Calais and a told me that a woman was very ill and wanted me to go to see her. I dressed--and went--gathering information on the way--. I thought I was going to encounter, from the story an obstetrical problem--but when we arrived at the hut we could hear an infant crying lustily--it had just been born a minute before I arrived. I went in--and found the native lying on the floor--with the baby--crying lustily, the cord was still intact. I left--after seeing that every thing was all right. I was wondering what I could have done without instruments. I suppose I could have gotten along all right.


I returned to bed and could not sleep--tossed for 1/2 - 3/4 hr--and realized that I had an attack of Oivera ippsial aurecular tachychardia, which took some time to control by suprabarbital, Nembutal and carotid sinus pressure. I was awakened twice after that, once for a fractured nose, and once for a tensive burns, which I referred to the Surgical OD.

October 25th--Further work on my paper-- a swim in the afternoon. Gin Rummy during the evening with Gaypohl. Slept like a log last night. Wrote a letter home last note. Received one by air mail from Jeanne Waldron.

Radio reports are encouraging.


A New Zealand Ace is stationed here at the airport-- 13 1/2 Messerschmitts to his credit. The airport will be manned completely by New Zealanders our men are moving up to the front. There is a great chance that the unit or part of the unit will go soon also. Although the climate here is wonderful and days are spent pleasantly--I would like to move on. The nights here are very dull-- and there is very little of interest left.

Oct 26th received mail from Pop, Eula, Margaret, Rose, Aunt Marge--the last date was Sept. 15th--almost 6 wks ago. Expect that more will arrive soon.


Yesterday was quiet. I read most of the day and played cards at night.


It has been raining lightly and two ropes on my tent broke because of shrinkage.

Oct 27--Wrote some letters home---went for a swim. Then a movie at night. Beat Jim at Gin Rummy.

Was called to see a native in labor at about 1130 PM. Had to fish up some equipment and waited around until about 2. She has not made any progress--as yet--as I just stopped down to see her. In order to examine her I had to have all the lights removed and had a doozy of a job. Will drop back again this morning


700 N Zealanders are said to have come in yesterday--mainly the air force. More expected, including WAACs and Infantry.



October 28th--A Major Leighton who is making a tour of the South Sea Islands informally informed us that this unit will remain in the South Seas for the duration. (The South Sea comprises the area between the Equator and the South Pole and Pitcairn Island and the Coral Sea). He thinks that this might be converted into a Base Hospital--but is also high on the list to move. He believes that some of us might be detached and that one surgeon of the group is scheduled to leave. (We don’t know whom yet.) If converted into a base hospital more doctors and nurses will come in.

Another of our warships was sunk and an aircraft carrier damaged in the Solomon area --a British broadcast started last night. None of Solomon area--British stated last night.

The alert was shifted up an hour since dawn is now at 430. was awakened twice during the night--since I was O.D.--and rightfully could have remained in bed--but I got up anyway. Because of the heat--the customary officers meeting medical meeting was cancelled.

October 29th--The Navy has announced the sinking of the Wasp. The Meredith was also sunk at about the same time. They were here together a few months ago before sailing for the Solomons.

Our purpose here, we have learned, is to protect the sea-lanes between the states, New Zealand & Australia.


The Hornet is said to have been damaged a few weeks ago.


There are three divisions in the Solomons: there are 3 battleships to a division--with aircraft carriers, cruisers, and destroyers, so it seems that we have plenty of strength for a sea battle.

Arising before dawn is quite a chore.

Oct 30th---The weather has been very hot and heavy with humidity and we are being initiated into real tropical weather which will be in its fullest form in a month or to. As we arise very early we should be able to finish the bulk of our work before it becomes real hot during the morning.

The water yesterday was fine--but there were too many in swimming to really enjoy it--but it was much cooler at the blowholes.


We had our pictures taken yesterday in groups for the newspapers at home. I was in three groups--The Long Island group (Nassau County Daily News), the Brooklyn group and the Cornell Group--all for the benefit of building up morale at the home front.


There will be a tea for the WAACs (Woman’s Auxiliary Army Corps) on Saturday. We could stand something new to stimulate interest here.



I often wonder just how long this will continue. The ennui, particularly at night---is especially bad. It would be impossible to leave here--as the C.O. would not recommend a transfer if application were submitted.



Some of the fellows are beginning to feel this war as members of their family are being drawn in. It makes a lot of difference--.





There is a big battle going on in the Solomons with heavy loss on both sides. Division consists of 1 aircraft carrier, 3 battleships, 10 cruisers, 3 destroyers. We are said to have 3 divisions in the Solomon area.


Oct 31st---The news from the Solomons is bad--our forces are withdrawing--and they are ambushing as many as they can. It seems as though all of our losses have been for naught--and further promises that this will be a very long war. If they take the Solomons again--all our forces moved into the adjacent islands will be jeopardized.

This island might be subject to attack as it defends our shipping lane. We had a medley group---Americans, New Zealanders, Tongans, the navy. Orders came out that we are to obey superior officers of the NZ group--and their enlisted personnel are to take orders from superior officers of the U.S. Army.

Am reading a good book, “The Citadel” by Cranen


Nov 1st--Contrary to yesterday’s report, our forces have not withdrawn from Guadalcanal--but the Japs have packed up and have left. The marines are said to have the situation well in hand.



I received two letters--one from Pop and from Rose--and I responded. I was happy to hear from both. I have received very little mail lately--probably due to the service.


Our holding the Solomons means a lot to us as it means that we are that much nearer the end.


These have been personality changes amongst some of the men due to this peculiar way of living. I am content to read and write most of the day and pass my time pleasantly enough that way.

There was a tea yesterday for WAACs yesterday afternoon but I did not attend. I attended mess at 5:30 AM--this morning after recall from the alert.



I bought an alarm clock, which is ticking merrily away above me. I hope it can stand the early morning moisture, which penetrates into everything.

Receive cigarettes from Frank the other night. Have a good supply now.

Nov 2nd--

The alert was staffed from 4:30 to 5:30 as the Japs have withdrawn from Guadalcanal and are progressing northward instead of eastward in our direction. There was more sense--although we did not like it--to go on the alert in dawn 4:30 earlier since that is when attacks are made. The Japs had many ships damaged and although not mentioned I guess we had ours. One of our aircraft carriers was sunk--probably the Saratoga or Hornet.


I has been drizzling intermittently for the past week.

Have been winning consistently at Gin Rummy--although I lost 15 c to Willy the other night.

If the Japs had taken the Solomons--our outlook here would not be too good as they would probably have headed toward the Fiji, Samoa, Tonga group--as was recently believed they would do.

Nov 2nd--Rained for about 8 hours yesterday. Medicine in the morning--and finished The Citadel in the afternoon. It was enjoyable but cynical-- dwelling on the deficits of medicine, but giving very little to the rich part. The book would give the that medical profession is farce--a misrepresentation.

I am pretty well fed up with the place and I don’t know what I would do if I did not have books to resort to as a form of escape. The other men use cards and drink. I am glad that I have not resorted to the latter. It is an easy thing to do. I believe that I have been spending my time most profitably.

It rained like blazes yesterday--and I had no chance to tryout my new knee boots which definitely came in handy.


We are said to have damaged or sunk 7 Jap war ships--2 aircraft carriers, 2 cruisers, 2 battleships--1 destroyer at Burma Harbor. One aircraft carrier noted as sunk--was sunk in the Santa Cruz area where the 134th went.


Reports are optimistic and I hope there is foundation for them and that we will continue our drive.



Nov 4th--The Allies have taken Kakoda, New Guinea--and reports from Aprea--- are good. Yesterday was an ordinary day without anything unusual occurring.



Sent a pair of shoes to Edgar--at Deca Tow field.

Played G.R. with Jim and beat him 3 out of 4 last night.

Went swimming yesterday afternoon--the water was very rough--and high--was on the spot once--but managed to get out all right.

Nov 5th

Routine day yesterday--has been showering intermittently.


We’ll have to find some form of exercise---building up too much excess energy. Calisthenics would not be bad. Reminds me of Fort Dix when we used to get up at 630, put on a shirt, and have calisthenics in front of the barracks during cold mornings of February and March. It was more punishment than exercise. We used to vie with each other to see would find something new to buy at the O.M.--and since were were at first scheduled for Europe, we invested in woolens, etc. The day after Day and Stratberry ordered and bought overcoats, we changed to this tropical force.


Spent last evening in my neighbors tent. Pierce, Vand and Storm, listening to the radio. The music was good. Retired at 9.


Nov 6th


Good news from the African front—the British have captured 9000 prisoners—and one general. The leader of the African Corps (German) was killed.



There was a double header movie last night, “Meet the Champ” with Hugh Herbert and a Charley McCarthy picture—from 7-10.



Jim and others have been giving the Tongans Red Cross Lectures. Have gave them an examination the other day—the final question was “Should the mother or grandmother chew the infant foot before giving it to him.” In the past that was quite a custom here—and consequently the infant and child mortality was high from it. And other diseases spread from the chewer.


I have read a synopsis in the Readers Digest “A Donkey Inside” by Bemelmans—about Ecuador. It brought back many memories of last year. There is also an article on Peru in The National Geographic which I enjoyed very much for the same reason. I would not be surprised if many of the men with whom I sailed with are dead now as the casualties in the Merchant Marine are high.



Our 36 day trip—blacked out at night—from Dec 7th on was rather treacherous—zigzagging and changing our direction—there and back. We would have been helpless, unarmed—if we met any hostile craft. We had frequent boat drills but everything went along uneventfully-in spit of being followed by an unknown ship which we were able to lose one night. I had made up some exta first aid satchels in case of emergency.


I won a dollar from Gapol--Dewey won.


Nov 7th--“Victory is absolute and complete”--so says the British Commander in African. A German General Von Sturman has been killed--and several others besides 9000 Italians and Germans captured--250 tanks captured, 400 planes downed, transports sunk--100,00 lbs of shipping in all destroyed. The first good substantial victory of the war.



Visited a Bazaar at the Wesleyan Church but did not buy anything as I was a bit too late and they just had tapas--of which I have already bought enough.



Slept all afternoon--. Was OD last night--called about 12:30-- sloshed through the mud to receiving. The patient said the he felt a supra clavicular lymph gland rise into his throat and choke him when he lay down--after examining him I sent him ward 30 (Psychiatric)--Hys. Was awakened later-- an M.P. had a truck driver whom I was supposed to test for drunkenness--as he slipped off the road and crashed into a tree which any sober driver might do---the roads as they are. In spite of signs of acute alcoholism, I denied that he was drunk as they would have court martialed him. There is plenty of drunkenness amongst officers which goes unnoticed and is covered up. The private seemed very grateful.


The island is just a mass of mud--and puddles. It has rained frequently and hard during the past four weeks No wonder anything will grow here. The soil is very fertile and gets plenty of water.

I slept through alert today as I was up during the night. Wrote to Jim Hoyt of WR Graci yesterday.


Am reading, “My Son, my Son.”

Nov 8th--A New Zealand soldier crashed and was killed yesterday by hitting coconut trees.


Went with Jim last night to see a pt in Vatna--pregnant-- and supposed to be having trouble. When we got there a group of at least 20 were sitting around the room and she was crying and putting on a good show for them. It seems as though some one (her husband) crossed her during the day. She was moaning and groaning. Was about a pt. myself after the ride in the back of the jeep.



A pt died last night--subphrenic abscess following subtotal gastrectomy.



The news from abroad is excellent. There was a notice in the news to be ready since “the war seems to be taken to the Axis-to move at a moments notice“. The notice read--”Since the election is over--etc.“ From which we are bound to gather that activity was held up until we had our elections in the States. Votes--not lives-- seem to be of greatest importance it seems.



Gave Jim a trimming at G.R. last night. Went to bed at about 10--read for a while-then tried to go to sleep after taking a phenobarb--but the fleas were attacking in full force--was bed was made up improperly, and the wood was flapping back and forth the forced the fly in the tent. flaps. Got up several times--and finally did fall asleep. Bad idea to nap in the afternoon. There is mail in which has not come up yet.


From the way things look now, we might not be here next year!!


Nov 9th ---Attended an autopsy--and also saw the charred remains of the New Zealand flier--who was a non commissioned pilot. There are varying versions of how he crashed. His plane shot up in flames on crashing--and the machine gun went off. There was nothing left but char. A Tongan man was brought in last night--shot accidentally--the bullet went through both hips traversing several loops of terminal ileum and the surgical operation and transfusion did not help and he died soon after.

Trutt and Kassa went to a party given by the Queen. There were a parrot--which they had for 24 hrs. before it died. Joe looks very mournful digging a grave for it. Although it looked very scraggly when they brought it home--I believe they gave the finishing touch by overfeeding it.

Received some mail yesterday but not much. There has been a let-down. Troops have landed on the north and west African coast--the President has appealed to the French not to resist. It seems as though we are actually doing things now.


November 10th--Started from New York 7 mos. ago yesterday. Six months ago today we landed on Tonga Tabu. Algeria has asked for an armistice in response to the Presidents plea. Vichy France has broken off relations with the U.S., meaning it will resist the US in Africa. They are still cleaning up in Egypt and Libya.


Received some magazines from Frank yesterday--a nice gesture.


November 11th-- A rumor spread that the allies have invaded Italy and France yesterday but undoubtedly it is untrue as it was not confirmed over the radio.

The 3rd battalion--147th infantry--left yesterday, presumably for the Solomon’s, leaving the 134th CA and the 77th CA behind. We wont have many left to take care of if this keeps up.


Received a package from Rose Anne-- Toffee from Pop and magazines from Frank.

Marvin bought a lamp yesterday (Aladdin) cost--$18--gives very good light and will come in handy.


Saw our group photos yesterday--most have turned out well--but a few have to retaken. Our B’klyn picture will be retaken today.
Nov 12th

-Admiral Darlin of the French Fleet--totally Nazi was captured and is a guest of our generals. The Bay of Tunisia gave the U.S. permission for our forces to go there, that that country to go through that country and nearly all of N. Africa is in our control.

Hitler has spread his troops all over France. Churchill states that this is definitely our second front.

If the Normandy had not been sabotaged, we would probably be in Europe now. I have been asked to write a recommendation for one of our enlisted men. He wants to join the air corps.


The 147th has left --and will undoubtedly see action.Dec. 20th

Made some more Plunko last night—about 6 of us stayed here—drank and played crap. I won $10.

Bull session until 2 A.M. With Buendaye and Capt. Burns.

This morning had a mild headache. But it subsided readily.

Visited the hospital--.

Bought 7 small mats and a couple of dozen coasters—to send home.

Nov 13th (Friday)- We were put on a 15 minute alert yesterday (Had to be 15 minutes of the camp) as a Jap cruiser and destroyer were sighted at a distance 2 hrs from the island. They were headed this way. The ship bearing the 147th didn't leave port on this account. Eight of our planes were sent out to get them--but failed to find them.


One of my patients--a colored fellow with chronic arthritis died following tonsillectomy. He had profuse bleeding during the operation. The carotid was legated to control bleeding. It stopped but on the ward started again. Last night he was admitted to the OR to clamp the bleeding--he went into laryngospasm and died in spite of a tracheotomy. I hope that this will be the last one.


Was awakened at about 430 A.M. by the bugle and voices. The enlisted men_s_ club was up in flames--about the biggest blaze I've seen--like a dried Christmas tree. The wind was blowing in our direction--but was not strong--or else it could have destroyed our camp. It was burnt to the ground.



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