December 1942 saw the beginning of one of the most herculean tasks accomplished by the U.S. Army during the Second World War—the building of the Stilwell Road. In the spring of 1942, the main supply road into China, known as the Burma Road, was cut off. Attempts to supply China from then on were limited to “The Hump,” a dangerous air route across the eastern Himalayas. In order to reopen the land route to China, General Joseph Stilwell, the commander of the China-Burma-India Theater, called for the construction of a new road that connected the railhead at Ledo in Assam, India to the old Burma Road at the Mong-Yu junction near Wanting, Yunnan in China.
More than 15,000 American soldiers and 35,000 local workers labored to construct a road that passed through extremely difficult terrain. The road traversed high mountains and deep gorges. Steep gradients, hairpin curves and sheer drops were commonplace. As the road was built in conjunction with the Allied offensive to retake Burma, builders occasionally came under fire from enemy forces. By the time the road was completed, $150 million had been spent and 1,100 American lives were lost.
On January 12, 1945, the first convoy of 113 vehicles departed from Ledo. It arrived in Kunming on February 4, 1945. In the months that followed, 26,000 trucks carried 129,000 tons of supplies from India to China.
Lt. General Dan. I. Sultan, Commanding General of India Burma Theatre, addresses troops at a ceremony opening the Ledo Road, Burma. Major General Claire L. Chennault and Major General Howard C. Davidson stand in the background. 28 January 1945. Source: National Archives and Records Administration http://www.fold3.com/image/1/52545359/
Chinese workers operate air drilling equipment in the reconstruction of the Burma Road. The work is supervised by a member of the Burma Road Engineers. 1944. Source: National Archives and Records Administration http://www.fold3.com/image/1/52542995/
Sign marking spot Burma Road was reopened on 28 January 1945. Source: National Archives and Records Administration http://www.fold3.com/image/1/52545058/
U.S.-built Army trucks wind along the famous 24 Turns Road. Source: National Archives and Records Administration
Convoy moves through gate at Wanting, China, as the Ledo Road is officially opened. January 28, 1945. Source: National Archives and Records Administration http://www.fold3.com/image/1/52545318/
On their way to the front, Chinese soldiers pass a tractor of the 330th Engineer Regiment working on the Ledo Road between Nam Yang and Tagap, Burma. Source: National Archives and Records Administration http://www.fold3.com/image/1/52545509/
U.S.-built Army trucks wind along the famous 24 Turns Road. Source: National Archives and Records Administration
Trucks of the first convoy round hair-pin curves on the Burma Road en route to Kunming, China. Source: National Archives and Records Administration http://www.fold3.com/image/1/52545566/
