National Memories: China-USA World War II Collaboration at Hawaii's Pacific Aviation Museum

"The historic friendship between China and the United States in World War II was significant for the outcome of the war, and continues to resonate with citizens of both countries," said Shauna Tonkin, director of education of the Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor, "this exhibit portrays the events and emotions of that era through remarkable photographs that bring this history to life."

It's big. Really big. Larger than life comes to mind. Inspiring. It makes your spirit soar. 

Hawaii's Pacific Aviation Museum at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor offers a unique historical wow-factor like no other. I've been coming here since the museum opened on its first day in 2006. For me the closest thing to immersing myself in aviation up to that time was flying Economy-class on a commercial airline. 

But now? Oh! 

I'm a huge fan of this museum, a must-see for anyone visiting Hawaii's Pearl Harbor. I'm also a huge fan of that special-class of aviation historians and airplane afficiandoes. They talk-story about their flying machines and experiences with a special affection and reverence that brings a smile. 

Earlier this Spring I was sent news of a new exhibition that got my blood pumping. On March 15, 2015 National Memories, a photo exhibition like no-other focusing on the collaboration between the USA and China during World War II was opening. Its focus is on the China-Burma-India (CBI) Theater. When I was reminded that the exhibit was set to close on July 31.

(Click here for a link to Hawaii Governor Ige's official proclamation in recognition of the exhibit). 

I was bounded and determined to put any and all my commitments on the back-burner to see it. If I had to walk to Pearl Harbor so be it! Fortunately my already-worn running shoes and leg muscles were spared. 

That's the U.S.S. Missouri Memorial on the left; the conning tower of the Pacific Aviation Museum in the center; and the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial on the right. My visit to Pearl Harbor was on a picture-perfect day -a stark contrast to those on December 7, 1941 and thereafter. 

This is the restored conning tower at the Pacific Aviation Museum on Ford Island, Pearl Harbor Hawaii. 

The National Memories exhibit was in Hanger 79, a part of the Pacific Aviation Museum. 

This is the scene I beheld when I quietly strolled into Hanger 79. 

The sheer size of the hanging panels lends itself to what is so evidently true of those portrayed here. The Chinese and Americans worked side-by-side under horrendous circumstances to do the impossible -and as a result earned for themselves the larger-than-life reputation they so clearly deserved then as they do now. 

Many Americans today still think China is on the other side of the world.

This photo was a popular one among my fellow visitors. It shows an American soldier and a Chinese soldier leaning in each others' direction to light a cigarette during the fighting in Burma's Hukawng Valley: 

Click here for a link to the story published in China Daily. David Lampton, the former president of the National Committee on US-China Relations summed this image up by saying, "It showed a kind of cooperation. It's very humane... this is a good model for cooperation we should apply in the future, it also reminds us that there is no peace in Asia unless the United States, China and Japan get along, so we have to find a way to do that."

Dashing and daring, don't you agree? Meet Canadian-born Chinese Aviator Albert Mah. 

Dated May 1, 1944, "American-Japanese interpreters with Brig. Gen. Frank Merrill's Infantry troops in northern Burma. Left: T/Sgt. Herbert Miyasaki, Paauild, Hawaii. Right: T/Sgt. Akiji Yoshimura, Colusa, California. 

This was my favorite image of the exhibition. Meet 16-year-old Pvt. Pan Chen-to of the 1st Chinese Commandos. "The youngest paratrooper in the world... is smiling happily after making his first jump at Kunming, China. The paratroopers are being trained by American officers and men of the Office of Strategic Service." 

Another personal favorite of mine was this image. Dated June 25, 1942, it was all-smiles for Jean Lynch and Lt. Pao-Chuen Chung, Lt. Yuen-Kong Ling, Lt. Ming-Wei Chang, and Lt. Wen-Su Hsu. They were "at an eastern air base in New England [the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and my ancestral home, Connecticut] where they were receiving advanced aerial operation instruction" while enjoying "ice cream cones at the PX" by Miss Lynch. 

I found a familiar face among the photos! may I introduce you to U.S. Marine Cpl. Richard W. Miller? The Philadelphia native is shown here in this image dated September 30, 1945 is bargaining with a native of Tianjin (Tientsin) for a ride in the man's rickshaw. Miller is familiar to me through my late-father, Herbert Bingham Mead, who was stationed in Tianjin with the 1st Marine Division at the same time (See my historical blog site My Dad the U.S. China Marine). Miller was a Marine photographer who was serving with the occupation and repatriation troops there and in Beijing. 

On my way out I paused to gaze at these window panes. The bullet holes you see are from the December 7, 1941 attack by forces of the Empire of Japan. 

This was one of those exhibits that left me feeling inspired. It was all so historic, and yet so new. I also felt a tinge of validation about my own book project on the post-World War II American China Marines of which my father was one of them. Here were two very distinct peoples (Chinese and American) fighting together in a cause that brought out the best and the bravest. What I identified with most was the humanness of this exhibit. While the military historical overtones were obvious this what I witnessed on this visit was a human story. I loved it and, in all honesty, hated to leave. 

The exhibit was organized by the China Overseas Exchange Association, the Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor, Rhythm Media Group Inc. and the Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii. 

Please go to the Pacific Aviation Museum here in Hawaii soon. This exhibit concludes July 31. You will not regret it. I hope your spirits soar as mine did.

For more on this exhibit go to the following resources:

Photo exhibit on China-U.S. WWII collaboration unveils in Honolulu.  Xinhuanet Asia & Pacific Edition. March 15, 2015. 

Photos Record US-China Friendship During WWII. Global Times. March 19, 2015. 

National Memories: Sino-U.S. Cooperation During WWII. Beijing Review. Updated June 11, 2015. 

C-100 Supports Commemoration of U.S.-China WWII Collaboration. Committee of 100. October 15, 2014.