During World War II, the skies above Qionglai Air Base roared with the engines of American B-29 Superfortresses. These massive bombers, a symbol of American might, were stationed here at Qionglai, known then as “Kiunglai Airfield”. Their mission: to strike at the heart of Japan. Qionglai Air Base was one of four such bases in China, strategically placed to launch these daring raids. The 462d Bombardment Group, stationed at Piardoba, India, would make the perilous journey over the Himalayas, known as “The Hump”, to reach Qionglai Air Base. It was a logistical nightmare. Everything, from fuel and bombs to spare parts, had to be flown in. Sea routes were controlled by the Japanese, making supply by sea impossible. From Qionglai’s runway, in June 1944, the first American bombs destined for the Japanese Home Islands since the Doolittle raid of 1942 took flight. These missions continued until February 1945, targeting factories, military installations, and even the Omura aircraft factory. Qionglai Air Base, a silent witness to history, played a crucial role in the air war over the Pacific. It stands today as a testament to the bravery of the men who flew from here and the global reach of World War II.
Qionglai Air Base
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