In mid-October, Chongqing showcased a refreshing autumn breeze filled with the fragrance of osmanthus flowers. At around 8 a.m. on October 15, a delegation made up of descendants of General Joseph Stilwell and members of the U.S. military observation group arrived at the Chongqing Stilwell Museum for a visit.
Entering the museum through its red doors, the group was greeted by fresh flowers surrounding the statue of General Stilwell. On the red ribbons adorning the flower baskets, messages in both Chinese and English read: “Following in the footsteps of our predecessors, continuing the China-U.S. friendship.” The delegates wore badges featuring Stilwell’s likeness as they approached the statue to adjust the ribbons and respectfully bowed three times.
The visiting delegation included David Bons and Andrew Bons, great-grandsons of General Stilwell, and Paula Sterling, daughter of Captain Domke from the U.S. military observation group, along with her granddaughter Sarah Sterling.
Eighty years ago, during the challenging times of the Second Sino-Japanese War, a significant number of American soldiers, led by General Stilwell, traveled thousands of miles to stand shoulder to shoulder with the Chinese people, making substantial contributions to China’s war efforts.
As they walked along the museum’s pathways, two osmanthus trees symbolizing the friendship between the people of China and the U.S. stood tall. One of these trees was planted in 2023 by Nancy Millward, Susan Cole, and descendants of Zhu De; the other was planted in 2014 by Stilwell’s granddaughter, Naya Stilwell, and grandson, Steven Stilwell.
Standing in front of the osmanthus trees, David and Andrew took out their phones to capture the moment. “Looking back at history, the cooperation between the U.S. and China during such difficult wartime shows that the two countries can work together today to face numerous challenges,” David remarked. He expressed his honor in visiting China for the first time, a place he had heard about frequently. “Stilwell’s legacy inspires our family to build friendships widely, reinforcing our bonds through regular exchanges.”
Andrew added, “The hospitality and openness of the Chinese people left a profound impression on me.”
From July to August 1944, under Stilwell’s strong advocacy, the U.S. agreed to send a military observation group to Yan’an to explore collaboration with the Chinese Communist Party against Japanese aggressors. Domke and 17 colleagues formed the “U.S. Military Observation Group in the China-Burma-India Theater stationed in Yan’an,” flying from Chongqing to initiate communication with the army led by the Chinese Communist Party.
“My father’s experience in China profoundly impacted his life. He taught us the importance of seeking common ground while respecting differences in viewpoints and cultures,” Paula reflected. Throughout her upbringing, the lessons from her father remained significant—“He taught us how to listen, understand, and communicate, nurturing friendships with people from different countries.”
During their museum visit, the delegation explored Stilwell’s former residence and a photo exhibition of his life. They generously donated treasured artifacts, including old photographs, books, and newspapers. Sarah wrote in the guestbook, “Thank you for our enduring friendship.”
For over 80 years, descendants of General Stilwell and the U.S. military observation group have made numerous trips to China, contributing to cultural exchanges between China and the U.S. The Chongqing Stilwell Museum stands as a testament to the continued friendship between the two nations. As Paula observed after visiting the osmanthus tree planted by Stilwell’s descendants, “This tree, planted ten years ago, is now in full bloom and continues to thrive.”
