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CHINESE, AIR FORCE OFFICIALS HELP OPEN NEW U.S. AIR FORCE MUSEUM EXHIBIT HONORING U.S.-CHINA WORLD WAR II FRIENDSHIP

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB, Ohio
Oct. 18, 2003

The United States and China in World War II forged a close friendship based on mutual interests and shared sacrifice in fighting and defeating Japan in the Pacific theatre.

The strong bond between the two nations and the mutual appreciation that endures in the hearts and memories of surviving American and Chinese participants of those perilous times is the basis for a new exhibit that officially opened at the U.S. Air Force Museum Saturday.

Cabinet-level ministers and other officials from the Chinese government and senior Air Force officials attended the opening of the exhibit, entitled "The Memory of History." The exhibit's scheduled six-month presence at the museum represents a cooperative effort between the State Council of Information Office of the People's Republic of China and the Air Force's national museum.

"The caliber of the distinguished visitors present for this opening confirms the diplomatic, symbolic and historic importance of this exhibit's presence here," said Charles D. Metcalf, museum director. "This will help us remind some and educate many others as to the vital and close relationship that our two nations enjoyed in World War II and how instrumental that was to the ultimate Allied victory in the Pacific."

Chinese government officials in attendance included Zhao Qizheng, Minister of the State Council Information Office, People's Republic of China; Lan Lijun, Minister to the United States for the PRC; Liu Biwei, the Consulate General of the PRC; and Maj. Gen. Chen Feng, head of the Chinese delegation to the United Nations military staff committee, and military advisor for China to the United Nations.

According to Minister Zhao, the exhibit not only preserves an important historical story, it can help further future relations between the two nations.

"In history, the Chinese people and the American people fought together shoulder to shoulder," said the minister. "Today, the two great nations - China and the United States - will surely join hands and work together to build a peaceful, stable and prosperous 21st Century."

Air Force representation included Dr. Richard P. Hallion, Technical Advisor for Air Force Historic Events, and Lt. Gen. Richard V. Reynolds, Commander of Aeronautical Systems Center, the host unit at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.

Featuring a broad, in-depth pictorial story line, the exhibit chronicles the special bond the two nations formed through various shared efforts between 1937 and 1945. The exhibit encompasses the American Volunteer Group, or Flying Tigers; the courageous and risky rescue of downed American airmen by Chinese citizens; the rigors and hazards of flying the Hump across the Himalayas for critical resupply efforts; and the defense of the Burma Road.

The exhibit is located in the museum's Air Power Gallery, which houses World War II aircraft, artifacts and exhibits. The exhibit is position next to the museum's Doolittle Raiders' exhibit and B-25, particularly symbolic as members of the Doolittle Raiders were among the many downed U.S. airmen that the Chinese rescued and hid from potential Japanese captors.

Metcalf attended the exhibit's initial opening at the Woodrow Wilson International Center in Washington D.C. in October 2002. From there, discussions unfolded between SCIO officials and the museum to bring the exhibit to the museum temporarily.

NOTE TO MEDIA: For more information, contact the U.S. Air Force Museum's Public Affairs Division at (937) 255-4704, ext. 332.

Contact:

Chris McGee
Public Affairs Division
United States Air Force Museum
1100 Spaatz Street
Wright-Patterson AFB OH 45433-7102
DSN 785-4704, ext 332
Comm (937) 255-4704, ext. 332
Christopher.McGee@wpafb.af.mil



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