At seven oclock Lt Gasperini and I started for the top of the Mt. The worst hiking I have ever done. Several times I was just all in. The old pump just would not work. Finally I sent Gasperini on. Told him to leave me and take care of himself. Ten minutes short of Jorgensens I gave up. Layed on the trail an hour when Capt Jacobs and two men came down to meet me. Was somewhat rested and went on to Jorgensens, just seven and a half minutes away. Was just all in. realized that I was no longer a young man. Upon arriving there I found that I was nearly the first one of the 43rd there. The others were the Amer QMC det and WPPS boys. Maj Fellows, Lt Simpson, Lt Jensen went on right away with fourteen Americans. I told all American officers and enlisted men to go on ahead an I would stay with the PS det. The next morning Major Allen, Capt Jacobs and most of the Amer EM went on. Had Christmas dinner with Jorgensens that night. Also Miss Bradley, Miss Chambers, Capt Praeger and Lt Jones. We slept on the ground that night as we did the night before.
John P. Horan IV
(July 5, 1891 — July 31, 1985), Colonel. Commanding officer of Camp John Hay at the outbreak of World War II. Received USAFFE permission to organize a guerrilla unit, the 121st Infantry Regiment. Surrendered, May 10, 1942.
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