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History of the Independence Movement in San Francisco:
The Redwood City Aviation School was an aviation school located about 20 miles south of San Francisco in Redwood City. It was started in 1916 by Kristo Persson, who died in a plane crash just four months after opening the school at the age of 28. The school had 28 students, both American and foreign-born.
The sudden void left by Persson’s death was filled in November 1917 when Happy Bryant, an instructor at the time, took over the school. As the new owner, Bryant taught more students than anyone else.
In 1919, Han Jang-ho and nine other Koreans attended the school, learning aviation skills. They earned their certifications within a year. Later, Bryant and Han Jang-ho were invited to be instructors at a Korean aviation school established in Willows.
According to U.S. government confidential documents, a Korean student who arrived in San Francisco on October 6, 1915, received six months of flight training at Redwood Aviation School. This individual, who spoke Japanese and Chinese, was an only child, lost his father at 10, and had a mother living in Pyongyang. He also attended the Chicago YMCA School from 1922 to 1923. The documents mention that he became a member of the OSS (Office of Strategic Services, the predecessor to the CIA) in 1942, with only the initial “B” used to refer to him, likely referring to No Baek-rin.
Formation and Training of the Provisional Government Air Force
In the 1920s, the Provisional Government in Shanghai actively discussed the formation of an air force. In January and February 1920, they concretely debated the purchase of aircraft. Provisional Government officials inquired about aircraft types and purchase procedures with E. Bents, a reporter for the English-language newspaper China Press in Shanghai. From February 2 to 19, they had nearly daily discussions with American pilot Edmund about specific plans. The aircraft they intended to purchase were not meant for direct combat in the independence war but for propaganda drops and rapid communication with independence army units and Korean communities. However, the plans were thwarted as the aircraft available to the Provisional Government at the time could only fly 150 miles, and funding issues also posed a problem. While the plan to form an air force in Shanghai fell through, the establishment of an aviation training school in the U.S. did come to fruition.
Willows Aviation School
During his stay in the U.S., No Baek-rin, the Minister of Military Affairs for the Provisional Government, learned aviation skills for six months in California. After meeting with Kwak Rim-dae to discuss the creation of an air force, he established a military corps and an aviation school in Willows, Northern California, on February 20, 1920. The aviation school, aimed at training pilots, was funded with $20,000 provided by Kim Jong-lim, who also donated a 40-acre field for use as an airfield. An additional monthly budget of $3,000 from Kim was used to pay instructors’ salaries and cover operating costs. The school taught military drills, tactics, aviation skills, aircraft maintenance and management, wireless telegraphy, and English at a rented building from the Queens District School. Tuition was $10 per month. The school received its first training aircraft purchased by Kim on June 22, 1920, and practical flight training began. Another aircraft from Redwood City arrived on June 24, bringing the total to five aircraft equipped with wireless communication by September. According to the June 24, 1920, edition of the Willows Daily Journal, the school had 30 students, and instructor Bryant, formerly of Redwood Aviation School, taught there. They also hired American instructor Psian for a monthly salary of $500 and six Korean pilots, including Han Jang-ho, who had graduated with high honors from Redwood Aviation School.
The school’s leadership included President Kim Jong-lim, General Affairs Director No Baek-rin, Secretary Kang Young-moon, and Financial Officers Lee Jae-soo and Shin Kwang-hee, with Kwak Rim-dae overseeing operations. The nine directors and instructors were led by Bryant, while the Korean instructors included Lee Yong-sun, Oh Im-ha, Lee Cho, Noh Jung-min, Park Nak-sun, and Woo Byung-ok. Students included Choi Young-gil, Kim Tae-sun, Park Yu-dae, Cho Ki-ho, Choi Neung-ik, Park Dae-il, Shin Young-chul, Cho Jong-ik, Jung Yi-yong, Jung Hong-sung, Kim Mong-yong, Hong Jong-man, Cho Jin-hwan, Shin Hyung-geun, Lim Sang-hee, Lee Young-gi, Kim Jeon, Son Yi-do, and Park Hee-seung.
Leaders of the Provisional Government of Korea, such as Lee Dong-nyeong, Lee Dong-hwi, Kim Gu, and Lee Si-young, adopted the policy after learning that Minister of Military Affairs No Baek-rin was training pilots in the U.S. without reporting to his post. The price of a training aircraft was $2,000 each. The thrill of painting a clear Taeguk symbol and the letters K.A.C (Korean Aviation Corp) on the new aircraft was indescribable.
General No Baek-rin attended a celebratory event on March 1, 1920, marking the first anniversary of Korea’s March 1st Movement, where over 400 Koreans from Northern California gathered in Sacramento.
The Korean Independence Newspaper reported under the title “The First Flight by Koreans” that two students, Lee Yong-sun and Lee Cho, flew planes during the March 1st celebrations. Though they couldn’t join the parade due to heavy rain, it was reported:
“Lee Yong-sun flew for 3 hours and 20 minutes, and Lee Cho for 2 hours. This was the first time planes piloted by Koreans took to the skies.”
At the March 1st commemorative event in 1920, Choi Neung-ik, a former missionary at the Korean Methodist Church in Chicago, delivered a speech:
“I am one of the students of the military academy. You may wonder how this training in military skills on this side of the Pacific will be useful in an emergency, but it is not so. If you recognize that Minister No Baek-rin is the vanguard of our independence war, you must acknowledge that we are also prepared to die at the right time. Until recently, I was engaged in church work. Whether dedicating oneself to saving our people or learning to handle guns and swords, I believe it aligns with God’s will. We appreciate your loyal support, but we will fulfill our responsibilities while earning our livelihood. It is easier to die for our independence cause.”
From June 30 to July 8, 1920, the Korean National Association of North America decided to pay 5% of each member’s annual income as income tax to support the aviation school starting that year. Interest in and donations to the aviation school grew so much within the Korean community that the National Association worried it might decrease patriotism. The Korean Independence Newspaper extensively covered the aviation school in April and May, and the Willows Daily Journal also reported on it several times.
On July 5, 1920, a grand opening ceremony was held with 200 Koreans in attendance. The first graduates, Woo Byung-ok, Oh Im-ha, Lee Yong-sun, and Lee Cho, immediately became instructors at the Willows Aviation School. On that day, No Baek-rin and Kim Jong-lim gave speeches on independence through aviation, and instructors Bryant and Oh Im-ha performed celebratory flights. The school had 25 students, each paying $150 in tuition. However, on April 10, 1921, Hee-seong Park, brother of one of the 33 signatories of the Korean Declaration of Independence, crashed during a flight test to obtain an American aviation license. The plane was destroyed, and Park was severely injured, leading Kim Jong-lim to face financial difficulties in supporting him.
Graduates of this school, such as Hee-seung Park, Kim Ja-jung, and Lee Yong-geun, became international aviators. Kim Ja-jung served in the aviation unit in Dong Samsung Jangjak-ri, and Hee-seung Park and Lee Yong-geun were commissioned as second lieutenants in the Army Air Corps of the Provisional Government on July 18, 1921. Some graduates volunteered for the U.S. Air Force during World War II. The Willows Aviation School gained nationwide fame after being featured in a film, attracting even American applicants.
Lee Cho participated in the Korean Peninsula infiltration operation with Yoo Il-han as an OSS member from 1944 to 1945, achieving great merit.
The school received support from Kim Jong-lim and the Korean National Association of North America, but after No Baek-rin and Syngman Rhee left for China, Kwak Rim-dae took over. The school struggled financially due to the collapse of rice prices and poor harvests caused by World War I, leading to the cessation of funding from “Rice King” Kim Jong-lim, ultimately forcing the school’s closure. Dosan Ahn Chang-ho showed great dedication and persistence regarding aviation, frequently consulting with No Baek-rin, a fellow Northwesterner. Dosan’s aviation-centered independence ideology and practical commitment likely influenced No Baek-rin significantly. Additionally, President Kim Jong-lim was a founding member of the Heungsadan, and many key figures were members, indicating Ahn Chang-ho’s influence.
The Korean National Herald described the deep emotions of Korean Americans, stating, “Nothing compares to the marvel and thrill of this achievement, and we shed tears of joy.”
Reports on the Korean Aviation School in the Willows Daily Journal:
◈ February 19, 1919: Koreans Enter Aviation Field
A wealthy rice farmer named Kim purchased a 40-acre plot and rented the Quint House, employing instructors and starting training with 15 students and three planes.
◈ February 19, 1919: Korean Aviation School Threatens Us
“Attention, residents and officials of the 14 counties. The Korean Aviation School in Willows aims to educate young men into fine Americans. However, the school and its flying planes are threatening California’s peace. Located on the outskirts of Willows, this school teaches young Koreans aviation skills and maintenance. Chairman Bernard and county officials believe that these undesirable foreigners threatening America should be banned by law. Koreans claim they seek peace and enjoyment for Americans, but our homes and farms are at risk.
If Governor Stephens continues to ignore our demands, he will soon see us move from ‘peaceful protest’ to ‘forceful action,’ says Chairman Bernard. They have already purchased a 40-acre site for the school and are operating several planes. Japanese people cannot buy land in California by law. To become practical owners, they must lease land for 100 to 200 years. Yet, foolish residents have given them privileges, allowing Orientals to own land in just three years.”
◈ March 1, 1920: Koreans Train Aviators to Fight Japan
Colonel No Baek-rin, who came to Sacramento, stated in an interview, “The school’s purpose is to teach aviation skills to young Koreans, preparing them to actively assist in Korea’s eventual independence from Japan.”
◈ June 22, 1920: Korean Aviation School’s Airplane Arrives Today
Korean aviators plan to return to Korea to establish an aviation school there once they acquire the skills.
◈ June 24, 1920: Second Airplane Arrives Today at Korean Aviation School
Instructor and aviator Bryant expects another plane from Redwood City today. Students have already been training with the first plane. Bryant is working with three Koreans: Young S. Lee, Peter Ohu, and Charles Lee.
◈ September 4, 1920: Korean Aviation School Appears in Film
The Korean National Herald reported on May 25, 1920, under the title “The Horrors of Japan,” predicting the future of Japan:
“If attacked by planes, Japan has no defense. Their wooden houses easily catch fire, and without basements, there’s no place to hide. If 10 planes drop incendiary bombs on Tokyo, it could be completely destroyed in 7-8 minutes, as Japanese houses are more flammable than those in China or Korea.”
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