HQ, MIS, Bataan
Terrific day. Heavy fighting in front. Fred sent to west sector. I went to east. Spent day observing progress of battle.
Japs raining bombs on front line, powdering every inch of ground. Our artillery can only fire occasionally because of continuous presence of Jap planes.
Japs trying to break line with artillery fire supporting tank formations. Boys holding out with machine-guns and mines laid in front area. Japs have broken part of barbed wire but cannot penetrate.
Many casualties on both sides. Japs are also using flame-throwers. Incendiaries are being dropped on the rear.
Trucks carrying food cannot go to the line. Dumps are being bombed with out let-up. Any truck or car on any trail or road is machine-gunned. Even trucks carrying wounded cannot move.
U.S. tanks rushed to eastern sector. Japs will undoubtedly try to break through the east, perhaps in the very center of the front line, in the Patingan river.
If line breaks, it is the end for all of us. No more reserve line. Boys must hold and fight at all cost or all is lost.
Had to stop car two times because of strafing Jap planes. One bullet hit the running board neat the chauffeur.
Fred reports that Japs are also putting pressure on the west. But it is agreed that attacks on the west are just diversionary attacks. Main thrust will be in the east or perhaps in the very center, followed by a double envelopment maneuver.
Area in front of line has been partially mined. Several lines of barbed wire have been emplaced. Our artillery is ready for advancing Jap tanks. Huge clouds of dust in the front.
The zero hour has begun.