THE FLYING TIGERS WERE THE AMERICAN HEROES OF CHINA
During World War II, a group of American aviators called the 1st American Volunteer Group, better known as the Flying Tigers, were recruited by retired U.S. Army Captain Claire L. Chennault to fight for China against Japan in the war. During this time, Japan held a lot of control and power over China’s transportation system and ports. For roughly seven months, the WW2 Flying Tigers were able to inflict damage on Japan’s aircraft fleet. Suggested read:The Ghost Army WW2’s Greatest Art Piece Saved Lives
Flying Tigers WW2: The Beginning
Since 1932, Japan and China had been at war, even before World War II started. At first, China had a civil war going on between Communist forces and Nationalists. When the battle against Japan began, the Communists and Nationalists decided to work together to try and defeat Japan, but the Republic of China Air Force was not strong enough to go up against the Japanese bombs. Captain Chennault was hired by the Chinese Air Force to check the Chinese fleet, although his granddaughter stated that only 91 out of the 500 Chinese planes were fit for flying. He was then hired as the Chinese Air Force advisor and later became the de facto commander. President Roosevelt worried that Japan might defeat China, and Chennault was determined to fight back against Japan. So, Roosevelt helped China buy 100 Curtiss P-40 fighter planes from the United States in an effort to strengthen Chinese air power.
Who Were the Flying Tigers and What Did They Do?
Since China did not have a properly trained Air Force, and American military personnel were not allowed to be involved in the Japanese and Chinese conflict, a group of military pilots, mechanics, and support crew members resigned and went to China as a civilian mercenary group, officially becoming members of the Flying Tigers. The President of the Flying Tiger Historical Organization, Larry Jobe, said, “The AVG was a bright spot in history when everything was bleak and black, and they have received a lot of recognition for that.” The American pilots did not have as much experience and skills as Chennault had hoped for, so they continued to train in Burma. They had their first fight on December 20, 1941, after Japan bombed an AVG base. During combat, only one AVG plane was defeated, while the Flying Tigers managed to defeat 10 Japanese bombers. Compared to the Japanese planes, the Flying Tigers’ plane was not as good. Chennault was able to think of good strategies, especially climbing and high-speed diving, in order to try and outperform the Japanese planes and take advantage of their weaknesses. However, the Curtiss P-40 did feature the mouth of a shark on the nose of the plane as a symbol of fierceness. Now, this can be seen as the Flying Tigers logo. In 1942, from January to February, the Flying Tigers continued combat in Burma and regions in Thailand that were controlled by Japan. They were able to defeat at least 299 Japanese planes, although the number may actually be higher, while only having 12 of their own planes defeated. While Japan was able to overpower American Forces in the end, the Flying Tigers kept up their efforts and prohibited Japan from advancing while continuing to help China in the war.
The United States Adopts the Flying Tigers WWII
Once Japan and the U.S. were at war, the Flying Tigers members fought in the U.S. Air Force, still under the leadership of Chennault. They became the 23rd Fighter Group on July 4, 1942, but the members changed. While some of the original pilots and crew members stayed, others either went back to work for their prior military branches, worked as civilians in the U.S., or became civilian pilots in China.
A Legacy Never Forgotten
The Flying Tigers continue to be honored for their contribution to fighting against Japan, especially in popular culture. A Chinese professional basketball team adopted the name the Xinjiang Flying Tigers in their honor. Similarly, a Minor League Baseball team, the Lakeland Flying Tigers, honors the real-life Flying Tigers. In 2016, the Falcons football team for the Air Force wore a Flying Tigers uniform to honor the Navy, Marine Corps, and Chinese military. They also wore this special jersey in their game against Georgia State and South Alabama. In 1942, a Flying Tigers film named Flying Tigers was released. While it is not a completely accurate depiction of the American Volunteer Group, it was still well-viewed by critics and the public. Other movies that mention the Flying Tigers are The Sky's the Limit, Hers to Hold, God is My Co-Pilot, and China's Little Devils. In 1926, the pilots of the Flying Tigers were awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross by the U.S. Air Force, while other members were awarded the Bronze Star Medal. The Flying Tigers as a whole also received a Presidential Unit Citation. Their contributions to the world and the help they offered to their fellow humans, regardless of race or creed, will never be forgotten. Read next:The Huey Helicopter & Its Crucial Role in the Vietnam War
Image: AP
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