In this fascinating photo--a virtual Norman Rockwell still-life of wartime life in China--Chinese troops, American troops, and Chinese civilians cross the Xiao river (潇水) via ferry near Lingling, China, during WWII. In the background, on the east bank of the river, is the Huilong Pagoda (零陵回龙塔), which remarkably still survives today, and has been restored.

Burma Road dedication ceremony in Kunming, China, on February 4, 1945, during WWII. Review of first convoy (or one of the first convoys) to reach China. General view of the stage and reviewing party, with American and Chinese dignitaries, soldiers, and civilian VIPs. An American band plays, and an honor lines on both sides of the center carpet stand in...

Burma Road dedication ceremony in Kunming, China, on February 4, 1945, during WWII. Review of first convoy (or one of the first convoys) to reach China. General view of the stage and reviewing party, with American and Chinese dignitaries, soldiers, and civilian VIPs. An American band plays, and an honor lines on both sides of the center carpet stand in...

Group of US generals and Chinese officials gathered at Burma Road opening celebration in Kunming, China, on February 4, 1945. Official dignitaries at the ceremony included, on the Chinese side, such figures as General Lung Yun, Governor of Yunnan Province, Gen. Wang Yu-cho, General Ho Ying-Chin, and Commissioner Miao Yun-tai. On the American side was Major General Gilbert Xavier Cheves...

The American opera star Lily Pons stands between conductor Andre Kostelanetz, her husband, and Brigadier General Lewis A. Pick just prior to the formal ‘ribbon cutting’ ceremony demonstrating the completion of the Stilwell Road. On 4 February 1945 the first convoy from Ledo, with General Pick at the front, reached Kunming as firecrackers exploded, missionary nuns waved, and Chinese bands...

IO6GU7 38 BURMA ROAD (RES) Burma Road dedication ceremony in Kunming, China, on February 4, 1945, during WWII. Review of first convoy (or one of the first convoys) to reach China. General view of the stage and reviewing party, with American and Chinese dignitaries, soldiers, and civilian VIPs. An American band plays, and an honor lines on both sides of...

Burma Road dedication ceremony in Kunming, China, on February 4, 1945, during WWII. Review of first convoy (or one of the first convoys) to reach China. General view of the stage and reviewing party, with American and Chinese dignitaries, soldiers, and civilian VIPs. An American band plays, and an honor lines on both sides of the center carpet stand in...

Burma Road dedication ceremony in Kunming, China, on February 4, 1945, during WWII. Review of first convoy (or one of the first convoys) to reach China. General view of the stage and reviewing party, with American and Chinese dignitaries, soldiers, and civilian VIPs. An American band plays, and an honor lines on both sides of the center carpet stand in...