Life was peaceful here today. It is sometimes hard to believe that we are in the middle of a war when the Japs let this island so severely alone as they have most of the time recently. From the news which comes in they appear to have their hands full down south at present in the naval action at the Makassar Straits (Indonesia). The situation on Bataan is much the same. The Jap landing parties are still holding out on the west coast at Agloloma Bay and Pucat Hill. For some reason our troops appear to be unable to wipe them out, although we can bring much superior numbers to bear. We even shelled them with 12-inch mortars from Fort Mills last night, but they hang on. If they continue, and are reinforced, they will be a real threat. I understand that the group on Pucat Hill arrived there by accident. They really intended to land near Agloloma.
The tunnel life becomes very monotonous since it is so close in here all the time, and the view is not particularly stimulating. We have a lot of people in this one tunnel—the C.G., all the General Staff Sections and clerks, the A.G. [adjutant general], and Special Staff and clerks. Also there are about 30 officers that sleep in here in double bunks. This place is bedlam most of the day because of the congestion, and with people coming and going all the time. I usually write between six and eight in the evening because there is a lull at that time while people are cleaning up and eating. We have been eating quite well thus far on half rations, although the quantity served each person is limited.