China Honors 2 'Flying Tigers' Veterans

During World War II, the all-volunteer group of American mercenary pilots took on Japanese bombers in its first air combat mission to protect China.

Kimberly Johnson

Tuesday, October 31, 2023 at 02:57 PM ET

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‘Flying Tigers’ veteran Mel McMullen was honored in Beijing Monday. [Courtesy: China Ministry of Foreign Affairs]

Key Takeaways:

Two surviving "Flying Tigers" veterans were honored in Beijing by China, including Vice President Han Zheng, for their crucial role in blocking Japanese expansion during World War II.
China recognizes the Flying Tigers' historical support as a "brilliant chapter" of joint fight against aggression and a source of inspiration for building mutual trust between the two countries.
The event highlighted efforts to restore U.S.-China contact amidst strained relations, emphasizing that despite governmental differences, the peoples of both nations share a desire for peace and a history of cooperation.

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Two surviving members of the American Volunteer Group (AVG)—better known as the “Flying Tigers”—were honored in Beijing at an event attended by China Vice President Han Zheng.

In December 1941, the group of all-volunteer U.S. mercenary fighter pilots launched a seven-month campaign that blocked Japanese expansion into China. By July 1942, the Flying Tigers reportedly had shot down or destroyed 297 enemy aircraft.