pgs. 475-502 Summary

The USS Lowell Hutchins was formerly the Pacific Enchantress. There was a total of eighty-two ships in the Amphibious Force but General Harris did not think it would be enough to accomplish their mission. Jack Stecker's opinion of the situation and Stecker says he doesn't think that taking Guadalcanal will be as easy as they all think. The drill in Fiji had not gone well and the Japanese will fight to keep the airbase they are building in Guadalcanal.

By August 7, the Amphibious Force of Operation PESTILENCE was moving into place. The invasion of Guadalcanal began. The landings on the other islands followed and slowly made progress. Most of their problems had to do with off loading-supplies.

Macklin was also involved with operation PESTILENCE, since he was serving in a parachute battalion. He also was not happy about the situation. His...