I had an uncle (now deceased) who did this from a P-38 then later a P-51. Both were named “Sassy Baby”. He was in one of the most forward air bases constantly from D-Day until V-Europe Day. While they at least had tents, they were normally set in the mud without any beds/cots.
His unit performed close air support for the front which included a lot of strafing of trains and enemy supply carts/trucks. Their base was the only one not attacked during the “Battle of the Bulge.”
Also, one of the pilots in his unit was not shipped to Europe due his family (Philip Brothers) on Wall Street. The “brass” feared that if he were captured he would be held hostage.
