Morale: 100%

While the Battle of the Coral Sea raged last week, TIME Correspondent Robert Sherrod cabled about courage from an advanced base at Townsville:

"The long-expected question of whether this is another case of too little, too late, is being decided at this moment. The morale is 100%. Not one American doubts that every other American will do his duty--faith in his country is renewed when he sees men face death as these do, determined that they shall not die, if at all, before inflicting the greatest possible damage upon an enemy whose every concept contradicts what free men are taught from cradlehood.

"During the two months I have been in Australia I have never doubted the courage and ability of our men--it was eye-opening to one who had watched a generation grow up on pacifistic isolation. Our only trouble over here has been lack of tools. Now, with redoubled efforts, our men are discovering whether we have enough tools. They have courage to spare."

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