Pacific PERDITION Concluded

摘要

Former university pentathlon champion Harry March earned his fighter pilot 'wings' with the US Navy in 1941 and was soon sent to the Pacific theatre of operations (see March FlyPast). After the horrors of combat at Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands, Harry had to readjust to normal life. It was hard, though; he was highly strung and suffering the effects of what was then known as battle fatigue. Before leaving for war, Harry had a cheerful, light-hearted disposition and a friendly, easy-going nature. By the time he returned his eyes were dull, and he seemed to be in a constant daze. He was also jumpy, unable to concentrate on anything and needed to be doing something constantly; it was how he avoided thinking about the loss of his friends. While on leave, he was asked to speak on the radio; as a champion athlete and veteran fighter pilot, Harry 'Dirty Eddie' March was perfect for navy public relations duties.