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.

As 14th Air Force planes, including bombers and fighters of the Chinese-American Composite Wing, prepared for a suicide mission, code name "Butcher," to attack the infamous Yellow Bridge in an attempt to destroy it "once and for all," a message from the tower announced, "Don't take off. The flight's been canceled." When the 3rd Bomb Squadron's B-25s turned around and taxied back in, someone ran out onto the runway shouting, "The Japs have surrendered!"

On August 14, 1944--Chinese Air Force Day--Capt. Mark T. Seacrest led a two-plane formation to skip-bomb a twin highway bridge located near Lashio, starting point of the Burma Road's south end. Hit by ground fire, both B-25s went down. Capt. Seacrest kept his A/C #714 in the air until he reached friendly territory, but it took eleven days for him and his aircrew to "walk out" and return to their 3rd Bomb Squadron.

Capt. Mark T. Seacrest led a mission from Dergaon Field to bomb and strafe rolling stock on the Burma railroad, when he unexpectedly encountered a train.. Cpl. James H. “Hank” Mills recounted his memories of strafing the length of it, blowing it into bits.

Mitchells of the 3rd Bomb Squadron provided air support to Chinese ground troops as they retook the city of Myitkyina following a 78-day siege. “They knew we were paving the way.”

Enter this Summer Book Giveaway for a chance to win your free copy of THE SPRAY AND PRAY SQUADRON: 3RD BOMB SQUADRON, 1ST BOMB GROUP, CHINESE-AMERICAN COMPOSITE WING IN WORLD WAR II. Winner to be chosen at random and announced on Sunday, August 25, 2024.