I love every one of your daily history lessons, Tara! Many people don't realize that Americans volunteered to fight against Japan before the US got officially involved - just as many US pilots also volunteered to do for France and England in WW 1 and WW 2.
One thing I also remember reading about Chenault's Flying Tigers squadron was that they very quickly developed some special tactics to fight the Japanese.
While the P-40 was a more rugged and a well-armed plane, they soon realized the Japanese Zeroes were faster and more maneuverable. As long as the P-40s would stay in pairs, with a lead and a wingman, the Zeroes became very vulnerable to the The Flying Tigers. Chenault also had his pilots attack the Japanese planes by diving at them out of the Sun whenever possible.
But, it's very important to be reminded again how some Americans have always volunteered to go off and fight in wars to defeat bullies before the US itself got involved. I think this shows that many Americans are blessed with courage, a sense of duty that when Bullies show up in the world Bullies need to be challenged, and also a bit of clairvoyance!
Agree. Courage has been a staple of the American character, right from the beginning. Now we just need to make sure younger generations understand their heritage.
Good addition, John. Yes, Chennault showed the importance of the pilot in aerial combat where with training and tactics a supposedly inferior aircraft could overcome what were supposedly better aircraft. The dive in the attack and then climb away to regain altitude was added to the tactical manual for a number of allied aircraft in both theaters.
The average American has always had a big impact on protecting the freedom of our country. The Flying Tigers are an exceptional example of that. I don’t recall hearing about this special group before, but it’s an amazing story. American volunteers are such an important factor in maintaining the security and stability of our nation. Even today we see the effect of the determination and strength of Americans willing to volunteer and by working together and successfully change the course of events. Thanks for sharing the story of The Flying Tigers, Tara.
......"grinning shark for the Flying Tigers" I don't see the connection for the two 'critters'.
Anyway, those men did establish the abilities of the aircraft that they flew, and more importantly the men flying them . The Flying Tigers did give the American people a needed morale boost, and even after 82 years, their exploits can put a smile on the faces of those reading this lesson.
Great story about real heroes who fought for the Chinese people, Chennault was brilliant officer and his tactics changed air warfare! Thanks again Tara for another great history lesson!
I have loved the story of the Flying Tigers since reading about them in Junior High. They were remarkable pilots! I believe Chennault has family ties here in Dallas.
What a great way to introduce the fighter planes and their pilots to the art of warfare! Thanks to the constant leadership of the U.S. armed forces, we stay ahead of the enemies.
I love every one of your daily history lessons, Tara! Many people don't realize that Americans volunteered to fight against Japan before the US got officially involved - just as many US pilots also volunteered to do for France and England in WW 1 and WW 2.
One thing I also remember reading about Chenault's Flying Tigers squadron was that they very quickly developed some special tactics to fight the Japanese.
While the P-40 was a more rugged and a well-armed plane, they soon realized the Japanese Zeroes were faster and more maneuverable. As long as the P-40s would stay in pairs, with a lead and a wingman, the Zeroes became very vulnerable to the The Flying Tigers. Chenault also had his pilots attack the Japanese planes by diving at them out of the Sun whenever possible.
But, it's very important to be reminded again how some Americans have always volunteered to go off and fight in wars to defeat bullies before the US itself got involved. I think this shows that many Americans are blessed with courage, a sense of duty that when Bullies show up in the world Bullies need to be challenged, and also a bit of clairvoyance!
Agree. Courage has been a staple of the American character, right from the beginning. Now we just need to make sure younger generations understand their heritage.
Good addition, John. Yes, Chennault showed the importance of the pilot in aerial combat where with training and tactics a supposedly inferior aircraft could overcome what were supposedly better aircraft. The dive in the attack and then climb away to regain altitude was added to the tactical manual for a number of allied aircraft in both theaters.
I love the story of and about these guys.
The average American has always had a big impact on protecting the freedom of our country. The Flying Tigers are an exceptional example of that. I don’t recall hearing about this special group before, but it’s an amazing story. American volunteers are such an important factor in maintaining the security and stability of our nation. Even today we see the effect of the determination and strength of Americans willing to volunteer and by working together and successfully change the course of events. Thanks for sharing the story of The Flying Tigers, Tara.
Thank you, Tara, for this story!
I did not know this whole story of the Flying Tigers flying for China while defending the USA!
......"grinning shark for the Flying Tigers" I don't see the connection for the two 'critters'.
Anyway, those men did establish the abilities of the aircraft that they flew, and more importantly the men flying them . The Flying Tigers did give the American people a needed morale boost, and even after 82 years, their exploits can put a smile on the faces of those reading this lesson.
Yeah, it's kind of odd, huh? But maybe hard to make a scary tiger mouth on the nose of an airplane . . . the shark, with his pointed nose, works. :)
I guess they all got to resume their official US Military careers too....
Thank you for sharing about this imminent historic group of heroes. So many heroic Americans rose to the challenge to fight for their country!
These guys wer my heroes as a kid growing up during WW2. I made models of the P-40
complete with the grinning shark nose. They were the symbol of hope. BETTER DAYS WERE AHEAD!
Great story about real heroes who fought for the Chinese people, Chennault was brilliant officer and his tactics changed air warfare! Thanks again Tara for another great history lesson!
I read about them as a kid and loved the TV show based, losely I'm sure, on their exploits. Thanks Tara
I love this story. I never knew these facts about these heroes!
I have loved the story of the Flying Tigers since reading about them in Junior High. They were remarkable pilots! I believe Chennault has family ties here in Dallas.
Great story.
What a great way to introduce the fighter planes and their pilots to the art of warfare! Thanks to the constant leadership of the U.S. armed forces, we stay ahead of the enemies.
Thank you Tara! Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Love ❤️ the time and energy you share with us to bring history to life 🇺🇲