In mid-June 1944, personnel of the 3^rd Bomb Squadron, recently relocated to Moran Field in Upper Assam, continued to prepare for joining the fight in Burma, but bad weather prevented its B-25s from flying any combat missions for more than two weeks. "It is imperative that air support be given troops surrounding entrenched Japs at Myitkyina, but insurmountable weather always intervenes," according to the official squadron history. Every day, flight crews were up early and stood by, "hoping for a clear report to warrant flying through the Himalayan Pass down to the battle area,” but every night they returned to their tents "missionless.” With morale at a low ebb, tempers were short. Several incidents that led to conflicts arose during this period, including a disagreement that led to blows and required the attention of Gen. George E. Stratemeyer, Commanding General of the Army Air Forces' India-Burma Sector.

On January 21, 1945, the 3^rd Bomb Squadron began its move to Liangshan. Transporting everything that could not be carried aboard the B-25s, three separate details of enlisted men left Peishiyi to transfer squadron equipment and supplies by truck, sampan, and river steamer. Their new airfield was located about forty-five miles due west of Wanhsien (Wanzhou), the largest nearby town on the upper reaches of the Yangtze, and just north of a small mountain range.  My father, then Sgt. James H. (“Hank”) Mills, clearly remembered the journey and described it many years afterward. Others have also shared their recollections of it, as well as of Liangshan Field that became their base of operations after their arrival.