Rough War by Walt Shiel

On 21 Mar, a flight of 10th AF P-40s dive-bombed targets around Mogaung using the 1,000-lb “blockbusters” for only the second time. Damage over a two-block area of the town was extensive, and the bridge south of town is damaged. On that same day, Paul launched in a 90th FS four-ship from Moran with belly fuel tanks and a pair of 250-lb under-wing bombs. Paul described the next two days in his diary:

We flew over and landed in the Upper Moguang Valley in Burma, at Maigwaing. General Stilwell’s forces are advancing beyond this point now, and this airstrip was built under fire by our Engineers in just nine hours, during which one artillery lieutenant was killed. We moved in today, establishing the most forward Allied airfield in Burma. In the distance, I can still hear the sound of guns, occasionally booming out and echoing back and forth between the mountains on either side of the valley.

Signs of war are everywhere! Former Jap foxholes, gun emplacements, pill boxes, shell holes, and a multitude of unused 105mm shells are everywhere. The terrible stench of rotting dead is still lingering around this jungle spot.

Later that morning, they flew a close air support mission just beyond the airfield itself:

At 10 a.m., we took off on a mission in support of the infantry. They have a radio with which they contact us and tell us where they want us to dive-bomb and strafe. His code name is Gallahad,and the operator is quite a character. When we put our bombs where he wants them, he usually comes back with some quip like That’s it fellows – that’s putting ‘em on the bastard’s head or That’ll show the bastards. He always has some remark, and we wait for it, for they sure pep us up.

Following a second mission in the afternoon, Paul reported:

After a supper of C rations, we walked over to Combat Headquarters where Col Stilwell – son of the General – has his HQ, and where he compiles all reports on ground and air fighting and coordinates attacks. He was having a staff meeting and invited us four pilots to sit in. It sure was interesting to hear firsthand about the day’s advances and setbacks, and especially interesting to hear of what we four actually had done ourselves during our mission.