Claire Lee Chennault was a Texas-born pilot who served in the US Army Air Corps for many years before retiring in 1937 and joining the Nationalist Chinese Air Force to help train them to fight the Japanese invaders then rampaging across China. In 1940 Chennault was sent to America to obtain 100 modern fighter planes, pilots to fly them and ground crew to carry the fight to the enemy. Although America was not officially in the war, President Roosevelt secretly authorized 100 pilots (enough to man at least 3 squadrons) and almost 200 other ground crew personnel to be recruited alongwith approving the sale of 100 Curtiss P40s. Together they would form the American Volunteer Group and Claire Chennault was to be its leader. Anna Chan Chennault was Chennaults second wife. Originally a reporter and war correspondent she became a prominent Republican member of the US China Lobby and a powerful woman in her own right. During WW2 she often wore traditional Chinese dress. David Tex Hill was one of the best known of the ex military aviators who were recruited to join the Flying Tigers. Originally trained and qualified as a US Navy pilot he would become an ace with at least 6 victories while flying with the Tigers. After his China service he would transfer to the Army Air Corps and eventually the US Air Force where he remained until his retirement in 1968 as a Brigadier General.
Group
Sculptural Figure(s)
Condition
Extra Fine painted
Scale
Scale 1:30
Material
Metal-Alloy
Zeit von
World War II
Time
World War II
Nationality/Location
USA
Not a toy! Not suitable for children under the age of 14!
