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One of the things about the Flying Tigers unit was they discovered how to defeat the Mitsubishi A6M "Zero"--just out-dive them. And it was this unit that discovered the "Zero" was extremely vulnerable to gunfire from any well-armed fighter.

One of the things about the Flying Tigers unit was they discovered how to defeat the Mitsubishi A6M "Zero"

The AVG NEVER encountered a Zero.

The Zero was Japanese Navy; a few were deployed to China before the the AVG arrived (hence Chennault knew of their capabilities) but they were later withdrawn.

All of the AVG's fighting was against the Japanese Army, with the fighters mostly being Nates and Oscars.

Thanks to USA General Claire Chennnault!!! These young boys of ours flying the sturdy, but inferior P-40s did a number on the Japenese Zero fighter aircraft!!! And.....folks do not forget our magnificent Jimmy Doolittle and his valient B-25 bomber attack on Japan in 1942, and...the assistance of the Chinese population in protecting our landing and downed pilots!!! Hats off to Admiral Bill “Bull” Halsey and his carrier force for getting within flight range of Japan, so the attack could go forward!!! American heroes, all!!!

One of the things about the Flying Tigers unit was they discovered how to defeat the Mitsubishi A6M "Zero"--just out-dive them. And it was this unit that discovered the "Zero" was extremely vulnerable to gunfire from any well-armed fighter.
1. The AVG flew against few Zeros. They ran up against Oscars all the time. Of course AVG vets like Pappy Boyington later dealt with Zeros all the time.
2. Chennault figured the flaws in Japanese Aircraft designs flying 2 years before. He trained the AVG not to dogfight and to use two-plane formations.
3. The person who really taught the Navy and Marines how to defeat the Zero, or at least match it in Wildcats was Lt. Commander James Thach with his eponymous "Thach Weave". He tested it with Lt. Edward "Butch" O'Hare. Everyone remembers O'Hare because of the airport and his unrelated Medal of Honor. Few remember Thach, but he saved that lives of hundreds of American aviators and sailors with this and with his later work in developing the defenses against Kamikaze attacks. Having an Arleigh Burke flight III air defense destroyer named after him would be fitting.