Ed Burroughs' desire for an active role in the war zone led him to a new goal; after resigning from his duties with BMTC - the civilian corps - he sought to be a war correspondent for the United Press. 

On October 23, 1942 with the approval still not received, Ed wrote in his diary, "Am now all ready to go — almost. I know that, at my age, it is probably a fool thing to do. My decision, then, is not based on faulty judgement. I want the experience. If I don't come back, I am at least definitely expendable. So it won't make any difference. . . ." 

The United Press credentials arrived and on November 2 Ed sent a thank-you letter to old friend George Carlin, of the United Feature Syndicate, who had been a great help in Ed's quest for accreditation. Carlin responded, "Your example in always seeking fresh adventure at an age when most of your contemporaries are content to give up and just stay waiting is an inspiration to me and gives me a goal at which to aim." 

Now an accredited war correspondent at the age of sixty-seven, Burroughs waited for his army approval and assignment to a plane. On November 6 he started his autograph album which he planned to carry with him. Fittingly, the first entries were by longtime friend, Captain Phil Bird and fellow United Press correspondent, William Tyree.