February 2: When I was united with the rest of the crew it was approximately 4:15 PM. The guerrilla gave us “boiled hot water” and something that looked (but did not taste) like pancakes. They then warned us that we had to move right away because the Japs would be sending out search parties. The other fellows had landed on the upper slope of the first mountain above the Jap held lowlands. The Jap headquarters was two miles below us. Being last to exit the plane, I had passed over three mountains into a safer area - if there was such a thing. After eating, we set out with the guerrilla escort and walked until midnight. They carried Morrison and Osterhouse (sprained ankles) on crude stretchers made from tree branches. On arrival, we ate again and lay down in some sort of barn to try to get some sleep. We had been awake twenty six hours and were very cold, aching all over and dead tired - both physically and mentally. Yes, we were scared and worried but also glad to be alive and together on the ground.

February 3: Cold sleeping last night. Had feast about 10 AM. Injured are no worse. Sent our names and serial numbers to Yenan (Guerrilla Headquarters). Think we have about eight hundred miles to go. They say we will make it in six weeks but I doubt it. Traded flying helmet for Chinese hat as did some of the others. Chinese hats cover our ears. Wonder if squadron, folks, Bette know our predicament. Interpreter was a Korean student in Tokyo - saw Doolittle raid on Japan. Sent to Manchuria as Jap soldier and escaped. His name is Wong. Had huge feast at three o’clock. Wine very strong. Sweet spuds, best I ever tasted. Women and children representatives appeared with note (brave airman who crossed ocean to fight for China, etc.). Gifts of fruit, cookies, etc. Girl gave speech and two interpreters translated it. We gave “thank you” note. Four kids sang song. Commander gave us 100 cigarettes each (local stuff). Children gave us tooth brushes and face powder for teeth. Got towels, soap, Chinese overcoats. Escort company of 300 stood at attention and bugle was blown as we lined up in front on donkeys. Some will escort us to Yenan. Rode donkey from 5:30 PM till midnight through Jap lines - cold as hell - temperature around zero - thought I’d never make it. Towels around neck (our breath froze to ice on towels) - feet froze solid. We are up in high mountains. Frequent stops for investigation (to inquire of Jap positions). Claim we went ten miles but it seemed like a hundred. Ate eggs, soup, tea, peanuts - to bed at 2 AM.

February 4: Up at 9 AM (Sunday). Washed, brushed teeth for first time (with face powder). Big breakfast (eggs, chicken, soup, etc.). Started out at 11:05 and arrived at 1:30 covering about seven miles. Fine trip - good donkey almost my size. Four PM - hungry, no food yet. Washed feet and they are washig our socks. Had tea again. Drink it fifty times a day and it is the same as hot water (if you see a few leaves in it, you know it is tea). Traded knife to commander for Jap flag. Spent last night 1 1/2 miles from the enemy. Everyone OK - sprained ankles improving.

Art, Kamiak and I spent hour in Commander’s room. Another interpreter joined us - speaks pretty good English and laughs like an American. More tea and peanuts. Big songfest - Americans and Chinese. To bed at 9 PM - warm but hard (beds in North China are wood or stone, no mattress or springs).