The Lost in Shangri-La rescue mission was a remarkable and daring operation during World War II that took place in the remote jungles of Papua New Guinea in 1945. It involved the rescue of a group of American military personnel and WACs (Women’s Army Corps) who crash-landed in a valley known as Shangri-La, named after the fictional utopian paradise in James Hilton’s novel “Lost Horizon.”

The crash occurred while the aircraft was on a sightseeing tour, and the survivors faced daunting challenges, including harsh terrain, hostile local tribes, and the treacherous weather of the New Guinea highlands. The rescue effort was launched immediately, and a team of brave paratroopers, led by Lieutenant John McCollom, was dropped into the jungle to reach the survivors.

The rescue operation was a testament to human determination and courage, as the team overcame numerous obstacles to successfully evacuate the survivors. The Lost in Shangri-La mission remains an inspiring story of survival, resilience, and the unwavering commitment of military personnel to bring their comrades home, even in the most remote and perilous of circumstances.