The previous fall Coastwatchers had secured their reputation by delivering critical intelligence that turned the tide of the Battle of Guadalcanal, inspiring U.S. Navy Admiral of the Fleet William “Bull” Halsey to declare, “The Coastwatchers saved Guadalcanal and Guadalcanal saved the Pacific.” Halsey added, “I could get down on my knees every night and thank God for [Australian Coastwatchers] Commander Eric Feldt.”
