Reunion teaches Airmen Flying Tigers heritage

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Frances Locquiao
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  More than 100 members of the Flying Tiger Association including family members gathered at Moody Nov. 5-8 to attend the 2008 Flying Tiger Association Reunion.

The three-day event included briefings, static displays of the A-10C Thunderbolt II, HC-130P King and HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter, combat search and rescue demonstrations and a dinner with guest speaker retired Gen. T. Michael Moseley, former Air Force Chief of Staff.

Approximately 20 Flying Tigers, who served with the 23rd Fighter Group during World War II, were part of the reunion.

"We're very honored to host the 66th Annual Reunion of the Flying Tigers," said Col. Kenneth E. Todorov, 23rd Wing commander. "Having these heroes and their families in our midst is a great opportunity for current 23rd Wing Flying Tiger Airmen to connect with their heritage."

The history of the Flying Tigers dates back to 1941, when the first American Volunteer Group was created by retired U.S. Army Air Corps Lt. Gen. Claire Lee Chennault. The group comprised of three squadrons commanded by General Chennault.

The AVG fought with the Chinese during World War II against Japanese forces. It was General Chennault who trained the Chinese to be fighter pilots.

The Flying Tigers were instrumental in providing air support as well as defending China and Burma with 100 P-40 Warhawk fighter planes, which were purchased by General Chennault.

General Chennault also developed the basic fighter tactics for the P-40s that was used by the pilots to successfully destroy 300 aircraft while losing only 14 pilots on combat missions.

The group was nicknamed "Flying Tigers" and became famous for the shark teeth painted on the P-40s, which were thought to intimidate Japanese enemies.

It consisted of approximately 350 American pilots and maintainers, former members of the U.S. Army, Navy and Marine Corps. These members were authorized by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to resign active duty commitments and become civilian pilots for the AVG.

The AVG was replaced by the U.S. Army Air Corps 23rd Fighter Group in July 1942 and was later absorbed into the U.S. 14th Air Force with General Chennault coming back on active duty as a colonel to command.

General Chennault was promoted to lieutenant general one day before his death and is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

During the reunion, Flying Tiger members learned about the wing's current mission and capabilities.

"I'm really impressed with this year's reunion," said retired Maj. Harvey "Nightmare" Elling, 16th Fighter Squadron. "I try to come every year and it gets better every time."

Major Elling served during World War II as a fighter pilot.

"We walk one foot off the ground while we are here with the new 23rd Wing," he said. "They are going to perpetuate the mission of the 23rd and an old warrior can get happy about that."

Current 23rd Wing Airmen also had an opportunity to meet the Flying Tiger veterans.

"It's an honor to be in the same room as these heroes," said Airman 1st Class William Chennault, 41st Helicopter Maintenance Unit and relative of General Chennault. "They paved the way for future Flying Tigers to carry on the legacy."

These veterans taught me what it means to be a Flying Tiger, added Airman Chennault.

The reunion culminated with a dinner on base, where an original P-40 was displayed and a speech from General Moseley was the highlight of the night.

"In conversing with these legendary greats, I am reminded how fortunate we are to have the chance to sit face to face and hear first-hand of the heroic tales that really define our heritage as Airmen," said Colonel Todorov. "I'm proud to be a Flying Tiger; I hope every Airman in our wing took advantage of this priceless opportunity."