In commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45) and the World Anti-Fascist War, the Nantong Haimen Rongchuang Museum exhibits a collection of special artifacts.

The special collections are exhibited at the Rongchuang Museum in Haimen district, Nantong. [Photo provided to nantong.gov.cn]

These items, including a pair of goggles, two flashlights, and two canteens, silently narrate the story of a daring cross-national rescue on a summer night in 1945.

On the night of June 12, 1945, a United States Air Force bomber encountered heavy fog and mechanical issues during a mission, leading to a crash landing near Songji Port in Haimen. Eight crew members died, while three parachuted to safety.

The loud crash attracted the local militia's attention. Militia captain Niu Menglin led villagers to investigate and found three US airmen among the reeds.

The situation at Songji Port was complicated at that time, with hostile outposts densely distributed. Once confirming their identities, a tense rescue operation was initiated.

With the support of local military forces and civilians, these young airmen bypassed the blockade and were safely transferred to the New Fourth Army, a force led by the Communist Party of China.

Before departing, the airmen informed the local people that the Allied forces were on the verge of launching a major offensive, inspiring hope for victory.

On Aug 15, 1945, Japan declared its unconditional surrender, signifying the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. The villagers of Songji Port remembered the three airmen with a mix of concern and relief.

Following the war, the US dispatched personnel from Shanghai to locate the remains of the other fallen airmen. With the help from locals, the bodies of the eight soldiers were recovered and sent back to the US. Items such as scattered goggles, canteens, and flashlights left on the riverbank were preserved by the villagers.

Decades later, the riverbank at Songji Port has been converted into land and now the site of Haimen Secondary Specialized School. On its campus, the Monument to the Rescue of US Airmen by Military and Civilians Against Japanese Aggression at Songji Port quietly honors this important chapter of history.

The monument at Haimen Secondary Specialized School. [Photo provided to nantong.gov.cn]