August 20 to August 31, 1943

“Button,” Espiritu Santo

Planes returning one by one from Guadal as 104 takes over. Squadron preparing to leave for Pearl Harbor. The “leaving date” pool set up by Edgar was played off at Guadal while most of us were down here. Most infuriating, especially since Glanz won it.

Big “blow-out” one evening after Tinsley got his medal (an Air Medal — the only decoration awarded anyone in the squadron) in which our reaction to Commodore Kendall’s speech (praising PATSU 1-2 and  minimizing us) was voice best by Drum in his now famed “Heil la Patsoooo” speech (with the skipper standing right behind him).

Ammunition and guns out of the plane, and baggage racks into the bomb bays. Then, on August 31, the CEO left first.

2 thoughts on “August 20 to August 31, 1943”

  1. I hope the story isn’t over, but if it is would you please make a post telling us so? Reading Nolan’s diary entry for the day had become part of my morning ritual. I miss it. Thanks for taking the time to share all that you have.

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