February 21, 1944 : Guadalcanal

Guadalcanal 1944 - A U.S. Coast Guardsman directs traffic at Guadalcanal as landing craft bring in supplies to American bases there.

Daddy arrived at Guadalcanal, which had been secure for a little more than a year.  Guadalcanal was desired by both Japan and the United States for the air strip, and the U.S. quickly turned the island into a forward operating base.

February 12, 1944 - New Caledonia

After sailing for 3 weeks from San Diego, Daddy and the S.S. Tyler made it to port in New Caledonia.

In His Own Words - January 23, 1944 to February 12, 1944 arriving at New Caledonia

Port at New Caledonia

January 23, 1944 - Sailing from San Diego to New Caldonia

Daddy sailed from San Francisco San Diego on the SS President Tyler (no pictures to be found) Jan 23, 1944, arriving at New Caledonia Feb 12, 1944.

January 18, 1944 - Promoted to PFC

Daddy noted that the promotion warrant was dated January 5th.  I'd bet he made sure any pay change reflected that date!

January 12, 1944 - Camp Elliott

November 13, 1943 - Camp Pendleton

Upon graduation from boot camp, Daddy went to Camp Pendleton for training.  He remained there until January 1944.  His training record lists it as "Field Artillery Instrument Course", which must have been how he was a fire control specialist at some point.