On the 79th anniversary of the victory in the War of Resistance Against Japan, a remarkable rescue story from 1944 has come full circle, highlighting the enduring bond between the United States and China.
During an intense Chinese-American air raid on Kai Tak Airport in Hong Kong on February 11, 1944, Lieutenant Donald Kerr, an American pilot, was critically injured when his plane was hit by a bullet and caught fire. In the dire moments that followed, local guerrillas bravely intervened to save his life.
Fast forward to today, and Kerr's son, David Kerr, has honored his father's legacy by embarking on a heartfelt mission to locate the guerrillas who risked their lives to rescue Lieutenant Kerr. Fulfilling his father's wish, David has organized a special trip to express gratitude and commemorate their heroic actions, thereby strengthening the historical ties between the United States and China.
Back in 1944, after Lieutenant Kerr executed an emergency parachute escape near Kwun Yam Shan, the Japanese forces launched a widespread search to locate him. However, thanks to the courage and strategy of the guerrillas and local villagers, Kerr was supported for nearly 20 days. They provided essential supplies, tended to his injuries, and ensured his concealment from enemy forces.
David Kerr has meticulously gathered his father's diary entries, which offer a vivid account of the rescue mission. These entries include detailed coordinates of the landing site, escape routes, and sketches of the surrounding topography. Utilizing this invaluable information, David was able to pinpoint the exact location where the guerrillas conducted the rescue.
Reflecting on the mission, David recalls, \"He felt a little tugging on his sleeve and it was a small boy. The small boy wanted to lead my father up into the mountains since he was the first person who was really helping him. He followed him and the small boy ran ahead. My father ran behind, and they ran into the mountains.\"
The guerrillas not only focused on Kerr's rescue but also actively engaged in efforts to undermine Japanese operations in Hong Kong. Their actions included distributing anti-Japanese leaflets and conducting night raids on Japanese-controlled Kai Tak Airport to destroy aircraft and oil depots, forcing the Japanese to retreat.
This inspiring story of bravery and cooperation between Lieutenant Kerr and the guerrilla forces marks a significant milestone in the relationship between the CPC and the United States. David Kerr's dedication to honoring his father's legacy serves as a poignant reminder of the shared history and the potential for continued friendship between the two nations.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
