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American Volunteer Group and their role in China during WWII
During the Second Sino-Japanese War, American military photographers captured thousands of images of both American and Chinese soldiers, documenting their involvement in military actions and moments of everyday life in southern China and Burma. These photos have been preserved in the American military archives, forming a collection of valuable historical material, including both photographs and video footage.
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The American Volunteer Group (AVG), better known as the Flying Tigers, was a notable unit that emerged in the early years of World War II. Formed under the authorization of President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1941, the AVG operated before the United States formally entered the war. It was made up of volunteer pilots from the U.S. Army Air Corps (USAAC), Navy (USN), and Marine Corps (USMC), who defied the official American stance of neutrality to support China in its ongoing fight against Japanese forces.
Though the unit operated under the banner of the Republic of China Air Force, it effectively functioned with a degree of American oversight and aimed to provide crucial air support for Chinese forces. The AVG consisted of three fighter squadrons, each equipped with approximately 30 P-40 Warhawk aircraft. After completing training in Burma, the AVG began deploying to China in April 1941. Their first major engagement occurred on December 20, 1941, shortly after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Despite being a relatively small and temporary unit, the Flying Tigers achieved notable success in their early missions, inflicting losses on superior Japanese forces. This success not only boosted the morale of the Chinese but also illustrated the strategic potential of American airpower in the region.
The images in this collection capture a range of scenes, including soldiers in combat, moments of camaraderie, and the realities of life behind the frontlines. They provide a rare visual glimpse into the cooperative efforts between American and Chinese forces during a crucial period of resistance against Japanese expansion in Asia.
Flying Tigers images
U.S. Army trucks, loaded with troops and supplies, plow through soggy terrain to forward positions in Northern Burma where Chinese and American forces are now engaged in fighting the Japanese.”
A wounded Chinese soldier lieas aboard a U.S. observation plane to be transported from the battle area in Hukawng Valley in Northern Burma to a medical dressing station behind the front line. Under the direction of Liutenant General Joseph W. Stilwell, Commander in Chief of U.S. forces in China, Burma and India, combined Chinese and American forces drove the Japanese from the strategic valley. “
Source: Sohu
topics: flying tigers images, old photographs of the flying tigers in China
Originally published on 11 april of 2011.
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