On September 3, 2025, at the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, the Chinese Air Force took center stage. From 1937 to 1945, pilots flew 21,597 sorties, downing 599 enemy planes in the skies and destroying 627 more on the ground.
These numbers speak volumes: a mission loss rate of around 11.4%—meaning roughly one aircraft was lost every nine sorties. Yet, with 6,164 airmen killed and 7,897 wounded, these figures also reflect the immense human cost of defending the skies.
Among these heroes was He Xin, a young pilot whose final radio message cut through the roar of engines:
Final radio message: “They’ve taken a hit… I’m going down, but the sky remains free.”
Today, his son, He Ping, carries forward that legacy. We spoke with He Ping, who has dedicated his life to preserving his father’s story. From collecting faded photographs to tracking down comrades’ memoirs, he has built a digital archive that connects past and present.
“Every time I share Dad’s messages with new audiences,” He Ping explains, “I see young people finding inspiration in his sacrifice.”
For a generation raised on digital connectivity, this story bridges history and modern values. It challenges us to weigh sacrifice against victory—and to honor those who took to the skies when their nation needed them most.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
