The enduring friendship between the family of late US General Joseph Stilwell and China continues to bridge cultures decades after World War II, as new generations honor a legacy forged in shared struggle against fascism.
A Commander's Commitment
General Stilwell, who commanded Allied forces in the China-Burma-India Theater from 1942-1944, became renowned for his staunch support of Chinese resistance against Japanese aggression. His strategic coordination with Chinese forces laid groundwork for trans-Pacific cooperation that outlived the war.
A Legacy of Education
In 1982, Stilwell's daughters transformed battlefield camaraderie into academic opportunity by establishing a scholarship fund. To date, the initiative has enabled over 40 Chinese students to pursue studies in US universities, fostering people-to-people exchanges.
Honoring Shared History
This month, Stilwell's great-granddaughters Nancy Millward and Susan Cole joined Chinese leaders at Beijing's 80th anniversary commemoration of WWII victory. 'Our family sees this relationship as a living thing,' Millward told KhabarAsia. 'We're committed to nurturing the mutual respect General Stilwell championed.'
The family's recent China tour included visits to wartime historical sites, underscoring their dedication to preserving this chapter of Sino-American cooperation for future generations.
