Chapter 47
October 21, 1943
Jackson Strip Encampment
In Route to the Papua Hotel,
Wharf District, Port Moresby, New Guinea
Asteady afternoon rain soaked the long dirt road that led from the camp of the 503d PIR. Intent on getting to Port Moresby, Major Genero drove far too fast toward the front gate of Jackson Strip, causing his Jeep to slip and skid in the mud. At a treacherous turn, he narrowly missed an Army truck that was bringing supplies from Port Moresby to the Strip.
As Phil approached the front gate, he slowed down. An Army Air Corps private first class stepped out of the shack and waived the Jeep to a halt.
The guard walked toward the Jeep with his M-1 carbine slung over his left shoulder. As he watched the young soldier, Phil flashed back to the Italian sentry he had stab
