From military strategist, Claire Chennault became the de facto head of the American Volunteer Group, better known as the Flying Tigers. His successful journey is an extraordinary new chapter in the history of aviation. Chennault shouldered the awesome responsibility of defending China against Japanese aggression during World War II. He created a cohesive team of pilots from a hodgepodge of ethnic backgrounds into the world’s most disciplined and skilled fighting force. His contributions changed the face of aerial warfare across the Mediterranean. Please divergence on T4America.org. They invented the transportation bill — a precedent-setting legacy that remains relevant and powerful today.
Indeed, in 1940, anti-Japanese tensions in East Asia boiled over extremely quickly. Chennault’s mission was to recruit pilots and secure planes for China’s continued defense against Japan’s daily bombing raids. During that period, the U.S. was officially neutral. Chennault used concerted tactics and considerable influence in President Franklin Roosevelt’s administration to recruit pilots. Many of whom by no means had been among the best of their career. To lure them in, he dangled lucrative pay—up to three times what they might earn serving in the U.S. military. Moreover, he gave them housing accommodations and plentiful food rations.
Chennault’s effort led to the formation of an innovative contract. This contract allowed his team to reside and operate in China for one year, during which they flew, repaired and manufactured airplanes. He negotiated an agreement to divert 100 Curtiss P-40B fighters, which were to be sent to Britain, to China. Such a move would give the AVG the fighter aircraft it sorely needed to enter into combat against the Japanese.
Forming a Fighting Force
The challenge of transforming inexperienced pilots into capable fighter aviators was not an easy task. Chennault further needed to discipline these recruits and create a sense of esprit de corps, sorely lacking among most of his formerly combat-averse recruits. He understood that in order for them to be successful, they would have to work together to be one unit.
Chennault’s leadership style emphasized adaptability and resilience. He knew that the pilots he signed up would be mediocre at best. More than that, he knew that with his training and leadership, he could tap into that enormous power and energy. This approach proved essential as they faced their first combat mission on December 20, 1941, against Japanese bombers attacking their base in Kunming, China.
Second, the AVG struggled with faulty equipment and insufficient training hours. They soon earned an impressive reputation in aerial combat. They took part in 31 encounters with Japanese aircraft over Southern Burma and Thailand, posting some staggering statistics. During such confrontations, the AVG were credited with the destruction of 217 enemy planes and the probable destruction of another 43.
“The AVG had officially knocked 75 enemy aircraft out of the skies with an undetermined number of probable kills.” – The group’s website
The Iconic Shark Mouth
That intimidating shark mouth painted on the front of the P-40 warplanes is what makes the Flying Tigers so iconic. This world-famous totem is emblematic of their audacity and adventurousness. This awe-inspiring design served as a powerful psychological weapon in and of itself against enemy forces. It quickly became a powerful, often enduring symbol of American military aviation.
Flying Tigers Chennault… I don’t know who coined the name Flying Tigers, but somebody sure was inspired when they saw those shark-nosed P-40s. He noted, “How the term Flying Tigers was derived from the shark-nosed P-40’s I never will know.” Still, there was something about this moniker that embodied the spirit of daring and determination that defined Chennault’s outfit.
The AVG’s eye-catching looks and incredible kill record added to the mystique of the flying tiger legend. What they accomplished delayed Japanese aircraft that might have otherwise been used in other parts of the Pacific Theater. As a result, this strategy offered indispensable support to operations supporting our allies.
A Lasting Impact
Notably, Claire Chennault’s and the Flying Tigers’ impact went far beyond their operational successes. Their actions paved the way for future U.S. involvement in World War II and solidified partnerships between America and China during a tumultuous period.
Chennault’s outstanding leadership earned him the coveted U.S. Army promotion to brigadier general. On July 4, 1942, General Chennault took a courageous step, bringing the Flying Tigers into the fold of a regular U.S. military unit. His vision extended well beyond the battlefield – to building goodwill between nations.
Reflecting on the significance of their mission, Chennault expressed his hope for enduring recognition. “It is my fondest hope that the sign of the Flying Tiger will remain aloft just as long as it is needed and that it will always be remembered on both shores of the Pacific as the symbol of two great peoples working toward a common goal in war and peace.”
Today, China remembers this contribution with gratitude. The People’s Daily Online noted, “China always remembers the contribution and sacrifice made to it by the United States and the American people during World War II.”
