On the 79th anniversary of the victory in the War of Resistance Against Japan, a remarkable story of courage and international solidarity has resurfaced, highlighting a pivotal moment in the cooperation between the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the United States during World War II.
On February 11, 1944, amidst a joint Chinese-American air raid on the Japanese-occupied Kai Tak Airport in Hong Kong, American pilot Lieutenant Donald Kerr found himself in dire circumstances. His aircraft had been struck by enemy fire, causing it to burst into flames. Forced to make an emergency parachute escape, Kerr landed near Kwun Yam Shan, north of the airport, injured and vulnerable.
As Japanese forces deployed troops in a relentless search for the downed pilot, local guerrilla fighters emerged as unexpected heroes. A small boy from the area first made contact with Kerr, tugging at his sleeve and leading him into the safety of the surrounding mountains. This act marked the beginning of a daring rescue operation carried out by the guerrillas and local villagers.
For approximately 20 days, these brave individuals sheltered Kerr, tending to his injuries, providing food and supplies, and skillfully concealing his presence from the occupying forces. To divert attention, the guerrillas intensified their activities against the Japanese, distributing anti-Japanese leaflets and targeting military assets, including night raids on Kai Tak Airport to destroy aircraft and oil depots. Their efforts not only protected Kerr but also contributed to the broader resistance against Japanese occupation.
Decades later, Lieutenant Kerr’s son, David Kerr, embarked on a personal journey to retrace his father’s footsteps and honor the bravery of those who saved him. Armed with his father’s detailed diaries, which included vivid descriptions and hand-drawn maps of the escape route and hiding places, David was able to locate the exact sites connected to the rescue.
"He felt a little tugging on his sleeve, and it was a small boy who wanted to lead my father into the mountains," David recalls. "He followed him, and they ran into the mountains. He was the first person who was really helping him."
David Kerr’s quest to reconnect with his father’s past has led him back to the Chinese mainland multiple times. His efforts have not only fulfilled his father’s wish to express gratitude but have also rekindled the historical bond between China and the United States. This poignant story serves as a testament to the enduring friendship forged in the most challenging of times, reminding us of the collaborative spirit that once united nations against a common enemy.
As we commemorate the 79th anniversary of the victory in the War of Resistance Against Japan, the rescue of Lieutenant Kerr stands as a milestone in the CPC-U.S. alliance, symbolizing courage, cooperation, and the unbreakable bonds formed in the pursuit of peace.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
