February 12, 1943 (Friday)

“Cactus,” Guadalcanal

Nine planes arrived Guadalcanal (“Cactus”) this morning. Formation SNAFU all the way up.

Henderson Field very dusty and dirty. Parked planes covered with a thick coat of dust. Established ourselves at the “Hotel De Gink” — a long row of army pyramid tents perched atop a ridge near the Lunga River. Dirt, or rather mud, floors in the tent. Cot and a blanket provided. Flies very thick in the day and the night the mosquitoes fight to pull you out of the bunk. Meals are scanty and the food is poor. Drinking water is scarce.