Meet the American Mercenaries Celebrated in China: Their Families Stand Out at Xi’s WWII Parade

Imagine an enticing job offer: a one-year contract in China where you’d fly, repair, and build airplanes. The pay? Up to $16,725 a month, with housing and a $700 monthly food allowance. Plus, you’d earn $11,000 for each Japanese airplane you destroy. This was the deal for a few hundred Americans in 1941 when they became known as the Flying Tigers.

These brave pilots and mechanics formed the American Volunteer Group (AVG). Their planes featured a striking shark mouth design that symbolizes courage and fearlessness. The Flying Tigers are credited with downing around 497 Japanese planes while only losing 73 of their own.

Despite current tensions between the U.S. and China, these American volunteers are still honored in China today. China’s state-run newspaper highlights, “China always remembers the contribution and sacrifice made by the United States during World War II.”

The Flying Tigers were formed during a desperate time for China, which was under attack by Japan. Chiang Kai-shek, the Chinese leader, hired Claire Chennault, a retired U.S. Army captain, to create a formidable air force. In the late 1930s, Japan had superior air power, which allowed them to bomb Chinese cities with ease.

Chennault established an air raid warning system in China and built air bases. In 1940, while the U.S. was still neutral, he sought pilots and planes to support China’s defense. He was able to offer Americans significantly higher pay than what they could earn in the military, drawing many fliers to the cause.

He secured a deal to send 100 Curtiss P-40B fighters—meant for Britain—to China. However, these planes lacked modern gun sights, and pilots had to make do with makeshift ones. Despite their limitations, Chennault taught his pilots tactics that capitalized on the P-40’s strengths against more agile Japanese fighters.

Chennault faced the challenge of training a motley crew of pilots, some of whom had little experience. Ninety-nine volunteers traveled to China in late 1941. Many were drawn to the adventure or the money, while others were seeking a fresh start after personal issues.

One notable pilot, Greg Boyington, later became the subject of the TV show *Black Sheep Squadron*. His motivation? To escape debts and financial troubles back home.

Training was a mix of successes and failures. Early mishaps left some pilots dead, and a day dubbed “Circus Day” saw multiple collisions on the ground. Their first fight against Japanese bombers on December 20, 1941, was chaotic, but the pilots managed to shoot down three enemy bombers.

The Flying Tigers’ skills quickly grew. Within days, they were sent to Rangoon, a crucial supply line for allied forces. During an intense 11-day period, they attacked waves of Japanese bombers, securing their reputation as capable fighters.

In total, they claimed 75 enemy aircraft downed while losing only a couple of their own planes. Despite this success, they faced challenges as conditions in Burma worsened. In March, the Japanese took Rangoon, forcing the Flying Tigers to retreat.

Even so, their efforts bought essential time for the Allies, tying up Japanese resources that could have been used elsewhere. Their bravery resonated back in the U.S., where they became symbols of hope during a difficult time.

Hollywood even recognized their legacy, casting John Wayne in the 1942 film *Flying Tigers*. The Walt Disney Company crafted a logo for them that featured a fierce tiger motif, though it didn’t include the famous shark mouth that marked their planes.

As the war continued, the U.S. military sought to integrate the Flying Tigers into the Army Air Corps. However, many pilots preferred to remain independent. Their last mission occurred on July 4, 1942. That day, they shot down six Japanese planes without losing any of their own. Even as they became part of the regular military, their fierce reputation remained intact.

Today, the bond formed in those turbulent times remains strong. Numerous museums in China celebrate the Flying Tigers, and their legacy lives on in popular culture. From contemporary films to dedicated exhibits, their story is a testament to bravery and international camaraderie. The hope is that the Flying Tiger symbol will continue to represent the enduring connection between the United States and China.

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