Henderson Field, “Cactus,” Guadalcanal — “Button,” Espiritu Santo

Still have a few cumulus underfoot this morning. Got two pieces of mail — a very beautiful tobacco pouch from Diane Brodie (it traveled from New Zealand to San Francisco to Guadalcanal) and a letter from home telling me, among other things, of Joan Allen’s marriage. She was one hell of a nice girl and I’d liked to have known her better — a rare combination of beauty, brains, and ambition. I wish her luck.

Just got word that we are to take off at 1000 for Buttons. All patrols canceled. The whole squadron returns.

Buttons. Made it from Cactus to Button in 3 hours and 20 minutes. The whole squadron moved completely on 3 hours notice. We are definitely becoming more of a mobile unit.

Everything the same down here, except that some of the mud has dried.