flying tigers

The American Volunteer Group, better known as the "Flying Tigers", were three squadrons of American pilots formed in 1941 to fly P-40 Warhawk fighters in the colors of the Republic of China against Japanese warplanes. Though the group was formed before America's official entry into World War II and intended to operate as mercenaries for the Chinese government outside of American authority, several delays meant that the AVG first flew in combat after the attack on Pearl Harbor. The fighter group gained legendary fame for providing positive headlines during a period when most news was bleak.

The AVG was disbanded just six months later, replaced by an official U.S. fighter group in the theater, though the new unit kept the "Flying Tigers" livery on many of their airplanes.