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March 28, 1942 

Food fine today, didn’t do much, gaining back strength. Dyess told me I was going south with Brad. before dawn. Engine trouble so didn’t get off, will leave tomorrow night. Darn the engine.

“Brad” was Capt. William “Jitter Bill” Bradford, the 47-year old engineering officer of Bataan Field and Bamboo Fleet pilot. Dyess had ordered Burns, Rowe, and a third pilot south, but then unaccountably canceled the order. The old Bellanca “Skyrocket” left two nights later after repairs.