2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Amid global celebrations, one story still captures imaginations: the Flying Tigers. This elite squadron of volunteer American aviators joined forces with Chinese counterparts to take on Japanese planesâhere are five facts you might not know.
- AVG: More Than a Nickname: Officially called the American Volunteer Group, these 100+ volunteer pilots flew P-40 Warhawks against Japanese forces months before the US entry into WWII.
- Shark-Nose Legacy: That iconic shark-mouth nose art was actually sketched by Walt Disney Studios and boosted morale across China's skies.
- Remarkable Kill Ratio: In just eight months, the Flying Tigers claimed over 250 Japanese aircraft with a kill ratio of more than 12:1.
- Volunteers With a Mission: Pilots earned around $600 per monthâless than standard military payâyet chose to fight for China's resistance effort.
- From AVG to Air Force Heroes: After the AVG disbanded in mid-1942, many pilots joined the U.S. Army Air Forces and continued critical missions in the China-Burma-India theater.
From daring night sorties over the Himalayas to forging bonds that echoed beyond the war, the Flying Tigers left an indelible mark on global aviation history. Their spirit of collaboration and courage continues to inspire young global citizens, entrepreneurs, and changemakers today.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
