The Legacy of the Flying Tigers: China-U.S. Cooperation in WWII Unveiled

This year marks a significant milestone in history: the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War (World War II). It is a period often associated with unity and shared sacrifice among nations, and one symbol that embodies this spirit is the legendary group known as the Flying Tigers.

The Flying Tigers, officially known as the First American Volunteer Group (AVG), consisted of American pilots who volunteered to fight for China against Japanese invaders. They arrived in China during a critical time in history, credited with destroying nearly 300 enemy aircraft and providing crucial air defense during a tumultuous era. This cooperation not only helped defend Chinese cities but also laid the groundwork for a profound relationship between the U.S. and China, a bond that is still commemorated today.

At the forefront of this effort to preserve the Flying Tigers' legacy is Jeffrey Greene, the Chairman of the Sino-American Aviation Heritage Foundation. A former U.S. Marine pilot turned historian, Greene has dedicated over three decades to documenting the remarkable stories of these brave pilots. His journey began in 1998 when he traveled to China with surviving members of the AVG. Led by General Claire Lee Chennault, these pilots played a vital role in defending cities like Kunming, which was under threat from aggressive Japanese aerial attacks.

The American pilots earned the affectionate Chinese designation of **