Chapter 37 switch horses

On the one hand, the supply of one's own side was cut off, enduring the double torment of insufficient supply and low morale, on the other hand, the number of enemies increased sharply, and Hyakutake was ready to launch the final attack. Vandergrift felt the pressure. He knew that Guadalcanal Island The war has entered a decisive moment of life and death. On October 15, Vandergrift called Nimitz, arguing that only urgent measures could alleviate the current crisis. Vandergrift suggested two measures, one is to grasp and maintain control of Iron Bottom Bay to prevent the continuous bombardment of Japanese ships at night; the other is to reinforce the ground forces of at least one division to destroy the enemy.

The Vandergrift telegram, and the downturn in the situation, made Nimitz look heavy and worried.As soon as the naval battle of Savo Island gave him a little hope, the South Pacific Fleet became sluggish again. The Japanese not only seized control of Guadalcanal Island, but also intensified their blockade of the sea transportation line, which was tantamount to choking Guadalcanal Island. The throat of the island US military. No matter how much pressure Vandergrift felt on the front line, Nimitz in the rear also felt the same, and would even double it, because he must also be responsible for the success or failure of the overall situation, thinking that "the situation is not hopeless, but it must be very dangerous."

In just a few days, the commander of the Pacific Fleet was a different person.One of Nimitz's hands would tremble slightly because of a nervous disorder.After shooting a pistol for a while at the shooting range, he had been under control, but now the old habit returned, and even the blue eyes, which were always bright, had turned into a dull dark gray. No matter how difficult it is, you can't back down. Nimitz encouraged his subordinates: "The situation in Guadalcanal is indeed serious, but we have gone through setbacks, and the Japanese are equally embarrassed and exhausted. The key is who can persevere."

As the first measure to alleviate the crisis, Nimitz obtained a sword-like authorization from the U.S. government through Ginger, that is, he can "strike first and play later" from now on. The base mobilized planes to reinforce the Solomon Islands, including Guadalcanal. The reinforcements requested by Vandergrift can also be resolved. The 164th Army Regiment that landed on the island is only the advance team of the 25th Division. The problem now is that if the U.S. Navy cannot regain its command of the sea, it will be impossible to talk about providing supplies or sending additional reinforcements.

In order to regain the command of the sea, it is necessary to change the generals. At this point in the war on Guadalcanal, the incompetence of the commander can be said to be an important factor.Among the several commanders, Nimitz was undoubtedly satisfied with Vandergrift. Turner, who commanded the convoy fleet, was in the middle. Nimitz was most dissatisfied and increasingly intolerable. Pacific Fleet Admiral Gormley. Gormley is a veteran fleet commander. His commanding characteristics are similar to those of Fletcher. He is more than cautious but lacks courage. With such a mental state, it is really difficult to motivate the subordinates to go forward bravely and fight to the end.In Nimitz's words, precisely because of the difficult times, "any pessimism and disappointment cannot be tolerated."

On the evening of October 15, Nimitz held a special meeting to discuss this.He asked everyone at the meeting: "Is this the time to remove General Gormley?" The answer was fairly unanimous: "Yes." Gormley has been replaced, so who will take over?Spruance is very qualified to hold the seal. In the Battle of Midway, he performed so perfectly that it can be said to be impeccable, but at this time Spruance has been transferred to the chief of staff of the Pacific Fleet, helping Nimitz every day. Come up with ideas and find ways, and it is temporarily impossible to transfer.

After repeated research, everyone recommended two people, one of whom was Turner nicknamed "Monster".Turner is a brave general who fights and rushes, but he has an impulsive personality, is not calm enough when encountering situations, and likes to yell.Because of his hot temper, the transport fleet he commanded had friction with the 1st Marine Division, and he himself had many quarrels with Vandergrift. Clearly, Turner was not the most suitable leader for the South Pacific Fleet.The person who will replace Gormley in the future must be a general who can coordinate the relationship between the Navy and the Marine Corps, and at the same time dare to fight.

Nimitz did not express his opinion on the spot at the meeting, but his inner preference was the second recommended candidate, and he believed that this person fully met the above conditions.