Dwight W. Harris of Flat River during World War
II served in the Air Force (Air Transport Command) as a First Lieutenant in the 1330
AAF-BU Hump Pilots (China, Burma, India Theater).
Mr. Harris, now deceased, has the
following relted by June Harris:
"Dwight flew B-24's and C-47's
(transport planes) during 1944-1946, delivering gasoline and supplies to the Flying
Tigers, based in China, under General Clair Chenault.
Later spent some of his time as an engineering officer and test pilot.
"Flying the Hump" was the
transport of fuel and supplies over the Himalayas to China.
The trip was around 550 miles yet the achievement was considered magnificent
in view of the difficulties - unfamiliar and often uncharted terrain, high rugged
mountains and formidable jungles, unpredictable weather, numerous fatalities, aircraft
maintenance and parts supply problems and exposure to enemy aircraft. Altogether, 650,000
tons of supplies and equipment were delivered to China in the airlift. At the end of thw war in Aug. 1945, the operation
had 723 transports. This was what enabled
China to hold out against Japan for three years in World War II. |
