field. The Japanese are unaware that no American aircraft have yet arrived at the airfield. The colonel and his 900 troops land undetected and begin their march toward the airport without waiting for the additional troops that are following a few days behind. They make it to a tidal lagoon known as Alligator Creek where they encounter the U.S. 1st Marine Division. There, a furious battle ensues and the Japanese are quickly and completely annihilated. So crushing is their defeat that Colonel Ichiki, and many of his staff committed suicide in order to redeem their honor. This has the unfortunate consequence that his few remaining troops are left without officers to lead them.Eight days after the naming of Henderson field, the escort carrier Long Island launches 19 F4F and 12 SBD aircraft from 190 miles south of Guadalcanal. By late afternoon the marines at Gaudalcanal hear the distant drone of aircraft engines and for the Dor Brown 10first time see planes other than Japanese as the Dauntlesses and Wildcats arrive landing in clouds of dust. Pilots and crews are taken back by the wild joy of the marines who toss their helmets in the air and cheer. Younger Marines shed tears and old timers are not ashamed of their moist eyes. No event in this campaign does as much to boost the morale as this arrival of the first American planes.The Japanese decide to capitalize on their victory at Savo Island by sending down an armada to wipe out the remnants of the U.S. Navy and at the same time reinforce their remaining land troops that are now few in number and of limited effectiveness. But this time, the Japanese are not so lucky at sea. The U.S. Navy is able to regain some of its prestige by sinking one of their aircraft carriers, a destroyer, and a large troop transport while seriously damaging a cruiser. This victory is accomplished largely by the outstanding performance of U.S. airmen. This is to be known the battle of the Eastern Solom...
