No. 5 
			AMERICAN AIRLINES, INC. 

	The loss of Captain Charlton's plane and soon afterwards the loss 

of another plane by fire on the ground in China, necessitated replace- 

ments from route 81 equipment. In addition, still another plane was 

found to be incapable of flying the high altitude needed in the operation, 

so was returned to the United States by Captain Hughen. With him on the 

return trip, Captain Hughen was able to take a full load of personnel, 

some of whom had been sick and others, who for various reasons were 

found to be sub par in their performances. 

	The removal of this group tended to improve personnel relationship 

in the small compact group comprising the project. This same policy of 

elimination of both sick and otherwise unuseable personnel was followed 

when still another unsatisfactory plane was returned for overhaul. This 

process of reducing personnel tended to maintain an active and enthusiastic 

group, who did not have time to become discontented. 

	The writer accompanied two replacement planes to Tezpur and remained 

on the project from late September through October and November, when 

operations were taken over by the Army. 

	Upon my arrival in Tezpur, it was found that the Monsoons were 

begining to abate, the health of the personnel was generally good, the 

messing was fair and the camp itself was in fairly good shape. Morel 

was found to be good with the exception of some discontent being 

bred by some personnel who had been removed from active duty. This situation 

was quickly handled by returning them to the states as noted above. 

	The engine replacement situation was found to be acute as was the 

parts situation and thus was causing the grounding of airplanes. Since 

Captain O'Conner and his staff had their hands full, I undertook to 

follow up on engines and parts, tried to improve rations and negotiate 

with Wing Headquarters regarding policies as well as plans to provide 

for the termination of the project. Through contacts at Chabua, engine 

and parts were obtained fairly quickly and channels were opened up which 

expedited future A. P. C. C. requisitions. 

	Also, through Col. Hardin at Chabua, it was found that a 30 day 

extension of American Airlines assignment would have to be requested 

and also that the C-87's we were operating would have to remain in this 

area. This brought up the question of returning personnel to New York, 

and finally an agreement was reached with Col. Hardin that he would term- 

inate the project on November 30 and would start to take over about 

November 20. On this basis requests for priorities were made in groups 

of 15 persons and submitted for approval. 

	Through the base Commander at Tezpur, arrangements were made for 

additional Army personnel to handle cooking and messing facilities, also 

additional rations were found to be available and additional labor was 

found to service latrines and clean up the camp.

 No. 6 ( next )