* [From the article.] The news from Washington and the South Pacific yesterday was encouraging.
It served to emphasize and underscore a remark made to this correspondent on Sept. 19 by Major Gen. Alexander A. Vandegrift, commanding the Marine, Navy and Army troops and planes on Guadalcanal, Tulagi, Gavutu and Tanambogo in the Southern Solomons.
”Are you going to hold this beachhead, general? Are you going to stay here?” General Vandegrift was asked.
His answer:
”Hell yes; why not?”
In the light of after events, General Vandegrift’s answer was more than rhetoric, more than the bold words of a tough marine; it may well have been historic.
This exchange was included in the excerpt from Toland’s Rising Sun on the September 18 thread. (reply #3).
http://www.onwar.com/chrono/1942/nov42/f03nov42.htm
Marines sent to oppose Japanese landing
Tuesday, November 3, 1942 www.onwar.com
American reinforcements move up on GuadalcanalIn the Solomon Islands... On Guadalcanal, the expected Japanese landing at Koli Point occurs with a force of 1500 landing to the east of the point. The American forces engage, but soon must pull back. The Americans then halt their advances to the west, to supply reinforcements against the landings.
From Berlin... Hitler orders Rommel not to retreat despite his shortages of fuel and materiel.
In North Africa... Battle of El Alamein. Axis forces begin to retreat but are stopped when Hitler’s order is received. The Italians are already in the process of withdrawal. The British are unable to continue to pressure the beleaguered troops, much to Rommel’s surprise. They are having difficulty moving men and equipment through the minefields at a rapid pace.
In Washington... Results of the American Congressional and Gubernatorial Elections, the Republicans make gains in both the House (42 seats), the Senate (9 seats) and the elections of state governors (4 additional). President Roosevelt is a Democrat and these wins foretell difficulties in American domestic politics as well as a dissatisfaction with the Democratic Party.