[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 110 (Thursday, July 21, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1377]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       IN HONOR OF THE AMERICAN VOLUNTEER GROUP ``FLYING TIGERS''

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 21, 2011

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the American 
Volunteer Group (AVG) known in China as ``The Flying Tigers,'' on the 
occasion of its 70th anniversary.
  In 1941, Chinese Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek authorized retired 
U.S. Lieutenant General Claire Lee Chennault to create a group of 
American pilots and airmen to assist and train Chinese aerial forces. 
With President Franklin D. Roosevelt's permission, Armed Forces members 
were allowed to volunteer for this assignment. In total, 97 pilots and 
185 ground personnel from the U.S. Army, Navy, and Marine Corps 
volunteered.
  The group faced many initial challenges. To start, the group had 100 
P-40 fighter planes (painted with the now-famous ``shark's face'' 
nose), many of which were in less than ideal condition. Additionally, 
the group had only four months to train and prepare before action 
started. However, the AVG was able to establish three separate 
squadrons: Adam and Eve, the Panda Bears, and Hell's Angels.
  The group first saw action on December 20, 1941, just 12 days after 
the attack on Pearl Harbor. While U.S. air forces and the Royal Air 
Force were generally unsuccessful against the Japanese at the war's 
onset, the AVG was notably successful, largely due to Chennault's 
innovative fighting tactics.
  For their efforts, at the group's 50th anniversary, the AVG was 
rewarded veteran status for service in World War II. The following year 
they were also rewarded with the Presidential Unit Citation. In 1992, 
each member of the AVG ground personnel was awarded the Bronze Star and 
pilots were awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.
  Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honoring the American 
Volunteer Group ``Flying Tigers,'' whose bravery and courage in the 
face of incredible difficulties will inspire future pilots and military 
servicemen and women for years to come.

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