Short answers, pulled from the story.
Sun Li-Jen served as the second commander of the Chinese New 1st Army. This unit was one of the best within the National Revolutionary Army and received US-supplied M1 helmets to replace old caps.
The Chinese Expeditionary Force launched an attack with the US Army's Merrill's Marauders against the Japanese airstrip on May 17 at 10:00 p.m. The assault was supported by artillery fire which quickly destroyed eight Japanese planes.
Two Chinese battalions mistakenly engaged each other in a fierce firefight during confusion, and two other battalions moved in and repeated the mistake. A stalemate ensued throughout June while the capture of Mogaung began the end for the Japanese garrison.
Supply lines were cut after the British Chindits under Mike Calvert captured Mogaung later that month. This event marked the beginning of the end for the Japanese garrison and led to infighting over their orders regarding defense of the town.
Eight Japanese planes were quickly destroyed as the battle escalated following the launch of the attack on May 17. The Japanese poured gasoline onto the airfield to disable it before retreating into Myitkyina proper.