Flying Tigers hold what could be last reunion
The Associated Press
SAN ANTONIO — Alumni of the Flying Tigers, the famed volunteer force of U.S. pilots who fought in China at the start of World War II, had what could be one of the last reunions for the group as its numbers continue to dwindle.
The 300 Flying Tigers who made up Army Gen. Claire Chennault’s storied group of pilots are down to 19. Just eight of those made it to a reunion in San Antonio on Friday.
“We’re the last of the Mohicans,” said Chuck Baisden, 88, of Savannah, Ga., the second-youngest Flying Tiger alumnus alive.
“That’s the way it is. You come and you go.”
The Flying Tigers’ official name was the American Volunteer Group.
The unit was formed with the financial backing of the Chinese government to help defend Chinese cities from Japanese attack before the United States entered World War II.
The unit was credited with destroying 296 Japanese aircraft in seven months.
The pilots flew Curtiss P-40 fighters, racking up a 15-to-1 kill ratio and probably helping stop the Japanese from conquering China and threatening British-held India.
http://www.star-telegram.com/state_news/story/635461.html
It is nice to see that a few still got together but the reality of this situation is very sad. Thanking these men for their service to our great country.