1943-1945
The U.S. military presence in India expanded rapidly during World War II, growing from virtually zero in early 1942 to over 160,000 troops by August 1945.1 Their mission was to defend the subcontinent against a Japanese invasion, secure vital supply lines, and airlift military aid over the Himalayas to the Chinese Nationalist Army along the perilous route known as “The Hump.” Beyond the base gates, local Chinese restaurateurs offered servicemen affordable places to eat. On occasion, soldiers kept menus from these establishments as souvenirs—artifacts that today offer a glimpse into a largely forgotten chapter of the American wartime experience in India.2
