“结缘东纵”的跨国友谊

Core Points - The article highlights the historical friendship between American pilot Donald W. Kerr and the East River Guerrillas during World War II, emphasizing the rescue of Kerr by local villagers and guerrilla fighters after his plane was shot down over Hong Kong [1][2] - David Kerr, the son of Donald W. Kerr, aims to share this lesser-known story to express gratitude and promote international understanding of this cross-national friendship [1][5] Summary by Sections Historical Context - Donald W. Kerr served in the 14th Air Force, also known as the "Flying Tigers," and fought alongside Chinese comrades against Japanese forces from 1943 to 1944 [1] - On February 11, 1944, Kerr's aircraft was shot down while bombing the Japanese-occupied Kai Tak Airport in Hong Kong, leading to his parachute escape [1] Rescue Operation - After landing in the Kowloon area, Kerr was aided by a teenager from the East River Guerrillas, who helped him evade Japanese searches for over 20 days [2] - Local guerrilla fighters and villagers provided food, clothing, and medical assistance, allowing Kerr to safely escape Hong Kong [2] Legacy and Publication - The story of Kerr's rescue has been documented in a diary, which his sons have worked to publish, aiming to share this narrative with a broader audience [5] - David Kerr and his family have made multiple visits to China to honor the memory of those who helped his father during the war [5][6] Recent Activities - In August 2023, David Kerr attended a book launch and commemorative events in Dongguan, and he plans to retrace his father's rescue route in Hong Kong and Shenzhen [6]