“Button,” Espiritu Santo

Went to see the Doc this morning about my still persisting gut ache. He says he thinks he’ll send me to Nouméa for x-ray. Will welcome a change, as I’ve gotten to the stage where I’d love to bash a few of my best friends right in the face.

Doc Blodgett also imparted a most pleasing bit of information. He said that many of the copilots were very dissatisfied with their PPCs, but that it seemed agreed that “Snuffy” Wagoner and I were the two best pilots in the squadron. Joe Hall and the Skipper were also considered good. Gives one a nice feeling to hear something like that.

Talked to a fellow just down from Cactus this afternoon. The Japs pulled a big show last night. The first started through the lights, got excited by the AA, and finally gave up his run, and escaped (with contortions). The second one was shot down by AA fire. The third was shot down in flames by a night fighter (their first victory). The others were never picked up. Would’ve liked to see the show.

I’m all set to go to Nouméa as soon as I could round up my papers for a “scat” trip.