As 1945 began, military discipline and courtesy in the new China Theater came under increasingly-careful scrutiny, especially in Chungking (Chongqing). Reports that ranged from failure to salute officers and incomplete or improper uniform to public intoxication and coercing local young women to accompany GIs to the photographer’s shop had been received at Chinese-American Composite Wing headquarters. Maj. Gen. Claire L. Chennault issued a letter to all unit commanders of the 14^th Air Force in which he referenced a recently-received radiogram from Maj. Gen. Albert C. Wedemeyer: "The CO was very much displeased with lack of discipline and general sloppy appearance of all ranks and grades.” He urged all personnel under his command, both officers and enlisted men, to be properly dressed while outside their quarters in the prescribed uniform according to the type of duty to be performed or the social activity in which they were engaged and that they "avail themselves" of the facilities provided for shaving, although facial hair had previously been overlooked. "Poor discipline reflects directly on combat and operational efficiency." Chennault warned, "Such comments on the state of discipline of this command as quoted above are a source of embarrassment to me and I expect every commander to take immediate vigorous corrective action to prevent a recurrence of this criticism.”

One of the hundreds of ships that transported veterans back home following the defeat of Japan in World War II, USS General George O. Squier departed Karachi on October 13, 1945. Passing through the Suez Canal and then heading west along the northern coast of Africa, it arrived at the Port of New York on November 2. TSgts James H. Mills and Robert N. Solyn, two of Squire's 3,343 passengers who passed through customs that day, were back home in time to celebrate Thanksgiving with their families.