This series contains various correspondences, articles, documents, reunion yearbooks, etc. relating to the American Volunteer
Group (AVG), known as the “Flying Tigers.”
The 1st American Volunteer Group, also known as AVG, and more famously as the Flying Tigers—was a group of volunteer American
pilots from various branches of the military, led by Lieutenant General Claire Lee Chennault. Answering a call from Madame
Chiang Kai Shek, Chennault initially gathered together the AVG to perform a survey of the Chinese Air Force. The AVG was comprised
of 3 squadrons: 1st Adam and Eves, 2nd Panda Bears, and 3rd Hell’s Angels. The group saw combat after Pearl Harbor in 1941,
and went on to produce multiple victories against the Japanese, and emerged with multiple Flying Aces. Chennault employed
his fighter doctrine, which was based on careful study of the enemy’s tactics, while employing their strengths in altitude.
The Flying Tigers were famous too for their successes in the air battle over Rangoon. In addition to their combat victories,
the Flying Tiger members and Chennault were highly celebrated, and in 1992, AVG veterans were finally recognized as members
of the military services, and all members were awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. The ground crew were rewarded the Bronze
Star. In popular culture, the Flying Tigers are readily recognizable in their iconic shark face nose art. They have also been
featured in various movies, books and documentaries.