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Kunming had been the main base for the original Flying Tigers (American Volunteer Group) under General Claire Chennault but was now the 14th Air Force HQ. The 993rd Signal Company was one of many Signal Companies handling communications as well as supplying Radio Operators and Cryptographers to the Chinese Armies in Y Force units. After a few weeks field training with a Radio Operator, it was found that I had taken drafting in school and a draftsman was needed in the Engineering Office in HQ so I was transferred from the 993rd to Y Force Engineering HQ under a Colonel Shaeffer. Kunming was the Headquarters of the Y Forces in China. There were some 300 enlisted men with 72 “Bird Colonels", but only one 2nd lieutenant. One of my jobs was keeping situation maps up to date so we always knew the positions of both the Chinese and Japanese units. I also kept track of our airstrips. We had L-5 (Stinson Observation plane) strips, and 25 (Medium, twin engine bomber) strips. If a B-25 could land on it it could also be used for C-46 and C-47 aircraft. Another of my jobs was to do Photo Interpretation from Aerial Photos furnished by a 14th Air Force Photo Recon Group. The Japanese had moved along the railroad and road towards Kunming. As the Chinese had to retreat they blew all the bridges. It was my chore to figure out what size bridges we needed for replacements. I became pretty good with a stereoscope which puts things into 3-D so you can make measurements.

I also became adept at reading photos without the use of the stereo. A few thought I was a little weird to do this, but it is just one of those things that you learn.

I don't know if he brought home the very one he used, but we have one somewhere...I've looked in it.

And so you landed in a Canteen and now we have “The Rest of the Story”

What an adventure he had....and I’m so glad you found this treasure so you could share it with us! :)

I have enjoyed reading them all!