. This weakness would have proved fatal but for a piece of the purest luck. At the time of the initial landing, the Japs failed to show any effective resistance. Except for their sporadic firing on the approaching planes, we might not have been aware of their presence until our companies began to spread out. There seemed, then, to be no reason to anticipate any strong counter attack; and, on the other hand, there was every reason to anticipate a high casualty rate for the 2nd Battalion when they should make their jump to reinforce us three hours later. The dropzone already presented a discouraging spectacle of many injured and disabled jumpers scattered near and far; and the medical officers--in fact, even the line officers-- felt concerned over the problem of treating so many casualties with such scanty accommodations. Therefore, the question was raised whether it might not be wise to send radio orders back for canceling the 2nd Battalion's flight, and for bringing them in by barge the next day. After thorough deliberation, this change of plans was actually advised; but because of communications difficulties, it could not be carried out.