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" (American Volunteer Group) were volunteer American pilots who began defending China against Japanese expansion in December 1941.
They achieved significant early success, downing nine out of ten Japanese bombers in their initial battle, and their seven-month campaign helped prevent further Japanese territorial gains.
Operating under challenging conditions with scarce parts, they effectively utilized Curtiss P-40 fighters for diving attacks, led by figures like Captain Claire Chennault.
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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