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.”

Personnel of the 3^rd Bomb Squadron stationed at Peishiyi (Baishiyi) ended 1944 with three consecutive nights of Chinese opera. Afterward, all American officers and enlisted men of the Chinese-American Composite Wing stationed at Peishiyi were invited to attend New Year's celebrations hosted by several Chinese civic organizations that banded together to honor the men who came from far away to aid in their war against the Japanese aggressors. They held separate dinner-dances―for officers on Saturday evening, December 30, and for enlisted men on Sunday evening, New Year's Eve. Both parties took place in Chungking (Chongqing) and included buffets and music, and "many girls of all nationalities were present and available for dancing.” My father, then Sgt. James H. (“Hank”) Mills., remembered attending with TSgts. Ewell F. Wilkerson and John P. Barge.

In late 1944, as 3^rd and 4^th Bomb Squadron detachments constituting Task Force 34 were flying missions out of Chihkiang (now Zhijiang), personnel still at Peishiyi (Baishiyi) had more free time on their hands than they were prepared to endure. Their inactivity was the result of persistent foul weather and gas shortages that limited operations to near zero. Movies and baseball were among available activities, but many of the men made the grueling trip over the mountain to Chungking (Chongqing) to escape the monotony of existence on base. The city held attractions for them that included souvenir shops, restaurants, bars (with ice in their drinks), “catting,” and of course, the obligatory rickshaw rides.

Expecting to be in the midst of the action following their move from India to China, aircrews of the CACW’s 3rd Bomb Squadron flew only four missions against the Japanese drive before their evacuation from Kweilin (now Guilin) in mid-September 1944. At Peishiyi (Baishiyi), their new base, missions were limited by “unflyable” weather and shortage of supplies of all kinds, including gas and bombs required to attack the enemy. With no missions to give them focus, squadron personnel were unprepared for the monotony that became their humdrum existence. They battled the boredom in a variety of ways that included card games, movies, reading, writing letters, and listening to music, as well as venturing into Peishiyi (now Baishiyi) village and Chungking (Chongqing) to shop and sample the local cuisine.

Following their evacuation from Kweilin (Guilin), the 3rd Bomb Squadron moved to Peishiyi Field near Chungking (Chonqing). Previously used by the American Volunteer Group, the facilities were dilapidated, chilly, and crowded. Supplies of all kinds, including gas and food, were in short supply, and menus generally comprised such unfamiliar and unappealing choices as water buffalo meat. "We didn't get food and supplies until the war in Europe was over."