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 "Flying Tigers," an American Volunteer Group of mercenary pilots, began defending China against Japanese expansion on December 20, 1941, achieving immediate success by downing nine out of ten Japanese bombers in their first engagement.
They effectively used Curtiss P-40 fighters, employing tactics of high-altitude diving attacks to leverage the planes' heavy armament and sturdy build, as these aircraft were not suited for agile dogfights against Japanese Zeroes.
The group operated amidst challenging conditions, including scarce spare parts and technical support, with their strategic efforts guided by leaders like Claire Chennault who collaborated directly with Chinese national leaders.
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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