The Humpherys Family

Flying Tigers

Record Added: 10/14/2020
Author 
Setting United States
Topic History: World War I and
Publisher Smithsonian Publishing
ISBN 1560980117   Year 1991
Age Adult   Pages 450
Description Printed dustjacket
 
Many books, articles, films, and TV productions have appeared on the legendary exploits of the Flying Tigers, General Chennault's small band of U.S. Army and Navy pilots recruited to fly for China in 1941. The author tries to strip away many of the legends surrounding the Group. There were never more than 100 pilots (not 200). Some of them enlisted for adventure and some for patriotic reasons.

The majority were attracted by the salary--$500 per month plus a bonus for every enemy plane destroyed--much more than they could earn in the peacetime Army. Most served out their year's contract, collected that money, and went home. Contrary to popular opinion, they were not fighting the Japanese before America entered the war. They did not see action until December 7th. The Group destroyed 115 enemy planes and lost 22.
Notes
Flying Tigers: Claire Chennault and the American Volunteer Group 

From the Library sale in North Bridges, Montana, summer vacation July 2020.