2nd Lt William C (Bill) Abernathy, G Company, 511th PIR on Leyte ready for takeoff from San Pablo airstrip on a solo jump into Manarawat firebase from an L-4 near sunset on December 4,1944. The mission was to confirm that the area was sufficently secure for an airdrop of rations and ammunition. Lt Abernathy spent the night in tall grass and avoided contact with a passing Japanese patrol. He saw their glowing cigarettes and smelt the smoke as they passed him in the dark. He surveilled the area the following morning, confirmed the absence of enemy troops and popped smoke to signal the supply drop to proceed. It was successful and desperately needed by troops running out of supplies in nearby mountainous jungle fighting.
(2nd Lt Abernathy retired a Colonel after serving in Korea and Vietnsm.)