After bombing and strafing a Japanese airfield near Myitkyina in norther Burma, in conjunction with P-40s and B-24s from other units, Paul and the 90th FS attackers arrived back at Teok running on fumes. One of their pilots got separated from the rest, landed first but in the wrong direction. Another pilot, Paul refers to him as Johnson, “was almost out of gas but to avoid a wreck he had to go around again. When he finally did get in—he just landed when he ran out of gas and his engine quit! Close!”
The next day, Paul flew two missions against Thaipa Ga in Upper Burma. Here’s Paul’s diary after-action report:
Intelligence reported large concentrations of Japanese machinery there. This place is just 1 hour from us—so we proceeded to do away with them. We carried out a “shuttle” bombing on them—16 ships went back and forth all day bombing and strafing. My turns were at 12:15 and 3 p.m. I carried three 325 lb depth charges. These are all TNT and have a terrific blast power. My first bombing and strafing was uneventful. I dropped my bombs and shot up 1000 rounds of 50 cal and didn’t see a damn thing. On my second run, I was strafing when I noticed a cloud of dust and an object moving below me. I immediately kicked over—but when in range discovered it was a big black water buffalo. I was so mad (I had expected a truck of Japs) that I let loose. All six 50s caught him dead—and he rolled ass over tea kettle. Dull day!
Just another day at the office in a forgotten corner of the war.
Paul “at home” in his tent at Teok
surrounded by photos of his wife Joyce (aka Bunny).
