On December 20, 1941, a bunch of volunteer American mercenary pilots faced a squad of Japanese bombers to protect China. Here's a photographical look back at that amazing group.
The American Volunteer Group’s 3d Pursuit Squadron, “Hell’s Angels.” The AVG had three squadrons, this one named after a movie about WWI flying. Note that many of their hats are Chinese. [Courtesy: National Museum of the U.S. Air Force.]
Key Takeaways:
The American Volunteer Group (AVG), known as the "Flying Tigers," were volunteer American mercenary pilots who began defending China against Japanese expansion on December 20, 1941.
In their first major air battle, the Flying Tigers successfully downed nine out of ten Japanese bombers, initiating a seven-month campaign that significantly prevented further Japanese expansion into China.
Utilizing Curtiss P-40 aircraft, the AVG employed tactics that leveraged the planes' superior diving speed and heavy armament, despite challenges like scarce spare parts and limited maintenance resources.
Led by Captain Claire Chennault, the group played a crucial role in the war effort, with Chennault directly engaging with Chinese national leaders on war-fighting policy.
On December 20, 1941, a bunch of volunteer American mercenary pilots faced a squad of Japanese bombers to protect China.
The American Volunteer Group (AVG)—better known as the “Flying Tigers”—would go on to down nine out of 10 Japanese bombers in the first of many air battles in a seven-month campaign that helped keep Japan from expanding into China.
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