In recognition of his bravery and fidelity to duty under fire, a letter of recommendation from Vice Admiral Kincaid was presented to Gordon Hill, FC2c.

Nine others [not named in this newsletter] were awarded the Purple Heart in recognition of the wounds they suffered in battle. Three were presented with these medals last Sat. The others since have been transferred. May the example of all these men be an inspiration to the rest of us when our turn comes.

Mr. John Bishop, a feature writer of the Saturday Evening Post, is enjoying his cruise with us. We understand he is busily engaged on an "opus" [piece]. We wonder who told him we have such an ample supply of characters aboard. We trust that Mr. Bishop's sojourn [stay] with us will be a pleasant and memorable phase of his war experiences.

It has been Mr. Bishop's good fortune to see the best of Navy men in action. The emergency drills of the past week, the masterly firing efficiency of the 5" and of the automatic weapons, the skillful handling of the planes that elicited [arrive at by logic] two "Well Dones" in a day - is ideal material for the closing chapter of "Tojo". And a well-merited accolade [tribute] to our officers and men.

We congratulate an old friend but new officer: Ensign Robert G. Haigler! Throughout his ten years on the SLC he steadily rose to Chief Gunner's Mate and then qualified for a commission. A typical American story.

Note: Name was spelled "Hegler" in newsletter, but after researching information in Deck Logs and Roster, it was found that "Haigler" was the man they were referring to.

Murphy, Y1c suddenly developed more than butterflies. It was an urgent case for the scalpel and our medical department came in slicing. Murph is now minus an appendix but judging from his grin he seems to indicate that he is the winner.

Note:...H. B. Murphy, Y1c, was the only yeoman I found in the Roster, so I'm assuming he was the "Murphy" they are talking about.