The renovated old house in Jiangshan, Quzhou, where Lieutenant Charles Ozaček, the navigator of the No 3 Doolittle Raid aircraft, was sheltered. [Photo/app.qz123.com] 

Susan Ozaček, in a heartfelt video sent on Dec 17, 2023, conveyed her deep gratitude to the people of Jiangshan for their pivotal role in rescuing her father, Lieutenant Charles Ozaček, the navigator of the No 3 aircraft during the 1942 Doolittle Raid.

In the video, Susan expressed her wish to raise funds for the restoration of the old house where her father found shelter after the rescue, as it stands as a living testament to the valor and sacrifices made during the Doolittle Raid.

Lieutenant Ozaček, injured during landing, was discovered by residents of Longtoudian village the following day and was subsequently taken to the residence of village head Liao Shiyuan, where he recuperated for four days before being transferred to Quzhou.

Liaomingfa, Liao Shiyuan's son, recalled the pilot's initial hesitance to eat the eggs specially prepared by his mother. However, after some time, he began to eat heartily, marking the start of a bond between the rescued airman and his hosts.

During her 2018 visit, Susan expressed her willingness to contribute $15,000 towards the refurbishment of the old house. Complementing her gesture, the local government has also allocated funds for the restoration of this historically significant building.

Xu Qing, former director of the Jiangshan Archives, noted how the well-preserved old house serves as a poignant symbol of the enduring friendship between the people of Chinese and the US, forged amid trials of fire and blood.