Routine bombing front and rear. Light patrol activity on the Bataan front. Fire from Cavite continues. Second month of war. Generals King and Moore sat under a fly at the west end of Malinta Hill [Corregidor] when Cavite opened up and let three freight trains move overhead landing on the Bataan side of the island. General King asked General Moore’s opinion on the caliber. General Moore said, “I thought they were 140 howitzers.” General King agreed. A short time later a Coast Artillery sergeant came up and announced that one had landed on the shore which was a dud and that the caliber was 240 mm. When this was reported General King said if he had known that he would have been twice as scared. The two generals had remained seated and continued smoking the whole time. General King, certainly, has a subtle sense of humor.
Achille C. Tisdelle
(March 17, 1909 -- April 30, 1986) , Major, U.S.A., 26th Cavalry, Philippine Scouts. Aide-de-Camp to Gen. Edward P. King on Bataan. P.O.W. in Japan, 1943-45.
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