Ep 2. The Airmen and the Headhunters

During World War II, a group of American airmen were shot down over the jungles of Borneo. With no means of escape, they were forced to rely on the indigenous Dayak people for survival. In return, the airmen trained the Dayaks to become formidable fighters against the Japanese army. The unlikely alliance proved effective, but the airmen were eventually rescued and returned home.

Decades later, in 1998, two of the surviving airmen returned to Borneo to reunite with their former allies. They discovered that the Dayak people had preserved the legacy of their partnership with the airmen, passing down stories and memorabilia through generations. The reunion was a touching moment for both sides, as they reflected on the wartime bond that had kept them all alive.

In this episode, Secrets of the Dead dives into the story of "The Airmen and the Headhunters," weaving together archival footage, interviews with surviving participants and historians, and stunning footage of Borneo's jungle landscape. The episode paints a vivid picture of the precarious situation the airmen found themselves in after their plane was shot down, and explores the ways they and the Dayaks learned to trust and rely on each other.

The episode also delves into the little-known history of the Dayaks, whose warrior culture and headhunting practices had been suppressed by Dutch and British colonizers. The arrival of the Japanese army galvanized the Dayaks into action, and the airmen's training and equipment gave them the tools they needed to succeed.

"The Airmen and the Headhunters" is a gripping story of resilience, ingenuity, and unexpected friendship in the face of difficult circumstances. Viewers will come away with a newfound appreciation for the Dayak people's place in history, and a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics of wartime alliances.