Flying Tigers
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The First American Volunteer Group of the Republic of China Air Force, nicknamed the Flying Tigers, was formed to help oppose the Japanese invasion of China. Operating in 1941–1942, it was composed of
Flying Tigers personnel
Chennault in his Kunming office, May 1942. He wears a US Army brigadier general's star on his left shoulder but Chinese insignia otherwise.
3rd Squadron Hell's Angels, Flying Tigers, over China, photographed in 1942 by AVG pilot Robert T. Smith
P-40 Warhawk painted with Flying Tigers shark face at the National Museum of the United States Air Force
Pappy Boyington
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Gregory "Pappy" Boyington was an American combat pilot who was a United States Marine Corps fighter ace during World War II. He received the Medal of Honor and the Navy Cross. A Marine aviator with th
Flying Tigers
…lots of shooting, perhaps because he was small for his age. A majority came from the South and West, and Texans were the largest group from any state." Gregory "Pappy" Boyington broke his contract with the AVG in the spring of 1942 and returned to active duty with the U.S. Marine Corps. He went on to command the "Black Sheep…
Major Gregory "Pappy" Boyington during World War II
(Lower left) Boyington with pilots of VMF-122 (Not VMF-214, see designation of life vest in center)
Vought F4U-1A Corsair, BuNo 17883, of Gregory "Pappy" Boyington, the commander of VMF-214, Vella Lavella, end of 1943
Boyington shortly after receiving the Medal of Honor