SECOND IN COMMAND: Deputy leader of the Simpson Harbor Force, 2 November, was Captain Richard H. Ellis, commander of an attack squadron. Captain Ellis, age 23, is one of the youngest squadron commanders in this theater. He scored direct hits on two vessels during the strike on Simpson Harbor. Captain
Ellis has 72 missions to his credit
LED NEUTRALIZERS: Maj. Benjamin Fridge was commander of the Mitchell attack bombers which neutralized Japanese antiaircraft positions at Rabaul paving the way for the Simpson Harbor force. As leader of the first bombardment elements, Major Fridge guided those forces to the target. He is 27 years of age.
