 This created a serious morale problem that Maitland combatted at Clark, at the suggestion of a subordinate, by issuing an order in May 1941 that all base personnel (including himself) had to grow beards.He modified the order in mid-August, making beards optional, but he and many others maintained their facial hair.Maitland was on the headquarters staff of the newly created Far East Air Force when the United States entered World War II.