SACO: The Sino American Cooperative Organization of WWII

Discover the untold history of SACO, a secret WWII alliance between the U.S. and China.

Before the United States entered World War II, China had already endured four years of brutal fighting against Japan. That early resistance set the stage for one of the most extraordinary collaborations in military history; the Sino American Cooperative Organization, known as SACO.

Formation of SACO

In 1942, Admiral Milton E. “Mary” Miles of the U.S. Navy and General Tai Li, the powerful head of Chinese intelligence, created the Sino American Cooperative Organization. Their mission was to share weather data, train guerrillas, and gather intelligence deep behind Japanese lines. It became a secret partnership built on trust, respect, and shared danger, unlike any other in the war.

A Secret Alliance in Wartime China

SACO volunteers came from the Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard. They trained in demolitions, radio operations, and survival before deploying to remote camps across China. Once in the field, they lived and fought alongside Chinese soldiers and villagers, often enduring hunger, illness, and isolation. Despite the hardships, their determination and cooperation remained unshaken.

SACO played a vital but largely invisible role in the Pacific theater. Its weather forecasts guided naval and air missions across Asia, while Chinese fighters trained by SACO destroyed bridges, ships, and supply routes. They also rescued downed American pilots, including men from the Doolittle Raid. According to reports, SACO’s joint forces eliminated tens of thousands of Japanese troops, crippling enemy movement through occupied China.

Leadership and Legacy

Unlike any other U.S. military unit, SACO operated under the direct authority of a foreign general. Admiral Miles accepted General Tai Li’s command, establishing a structure rooted in cooperation rather than hierarchy. Their mutual respect became the heart of the Sino American Cooperative Organization’s success.

When the war ended, SACO quietly dissolved as China descended into civil conflict. Admiral Miles returned home in poor health, and General Tai Li soon perished in a plane crash. For decades, the story of the SACO remained overshadowed by larger battles and more famous generals.

Bringing the Story to Light

Now, with The Top-Secret Story of SACO: The Sino American Cooperative Organization of World War II, Director Daniel J. Levendowski and Producer Carolyn Arnold bring this hidden history to light. The film honors the courage, ingenuity, and sacrifice of the men who risked everything for a cause greater than themselves and restores the legacy of one of World War II’s most remarkable alliances.

Watch now on Fancy A Movie.

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