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The
replacements were fresh from the United States.
Battlefield
commissions, which necessitated a transfer of the officer involved to
another battalion, took some familiar faces from us, and likewise introduced
new personalities to our circle.
Staff Sergeant
John R. Phillips had been a platoon sergeant when he went home on leave from
Noemfoor and had served much of the time on Corregidor as platoon sergeant
of the 3rd platoon. At that time the position called for a staff sergeant,
but he was commissioned before he could be promoted.
New
1st Lt. William E.
LaVanchure was transferred to 2d Battalion headquarters. 1st Lt.
Milton Walker, a former platoon sergeant in "C" company was assigned to “F”
Company. The same was true for 1st Lt. Chalmers Fennell who was a former
platoon sergeant in “I” Company.
Tech Sergeant
Phillip Todd was rotated home. (I would later receive a letter from
him after we went to Negros, telling me of the joys of civilian life. What a
terrible way to treat a Brother! )
I
became "F"
Company's Executive Officer.
Another mission is in the air again. The Regiment is alerted to jump on an
unknown island. Company is issued parachutes but that is cancelled in good
fashion. But the mission is still on, but is to take place with the airborne
part out.
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