A Flying Tiger's Diary (Centennial Series of the Association of Former Students, Texas A&M University) [Paperback]

Charles R. Bond Jr. (Author), Dr. Terry H. Anderson Ph.D. (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"His diary is an intimate record of the war in the air above China and Burma. It is probably unique in the literature of World War II."--Rod Gragg

(Rod Gragg )

About the Author

CHARLES R. BOND is a major general retired from the U.S. Air Force and living in Dallas. TERRY H. ANDERSON is a professor in the history department at Texas A&M University.

Product Details

• Paperback: 264 pages
• Publisher: TAMU Press (October 1, 1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0890964084
• ISBN-13: 978-0890964088
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #831,939 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Truth in advertising, October 14, 2005

By 

Marvin D. Pipher (Houston, Texas USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Flying Tiger's Diary (Centennial Series of the Association of Former Students, Texas A&M University) (Paperback)

This book is exactly as advertised. It is basically the day-to-day diary entries of a member of the American Volunteer Group (AVG), the "Flying Tigers" of World War II fame with additional material to set the entries in context. As such, it should be a valuable historical reference for anyone seeking insight into the internal workings of the AVG, the personal thoughts, struggles, adventures, and misadventures of those in that group, and, in particular, the exploits of those in the First Squadron of the AVG.

I found the book to be interesting and quite factual; particularly since the entries in the diary were made at the time the events actually took place and in many instances detailed the actions of the man making the entries. I had hoped, however, that this book would tell the broader story of the AVG, based on the diary entries, rather than simply restating the actual records. But it didn't. As a result, I found the book to be somewhat narrow in scope. I say that since the author of the diary was in the First Squadron of the AVG which was generally remote from the other two squadrons. As a consequence, virtually all of the diary entries relate to the exploits of the Adam and Eve Squadron and the personnel in that squadron. The missions and actions of those in the Second and Third Squadrons (the "Pandas" and "Hell's Angels"), such as Tex Hill and Ed Rector were touched upon lightly, but much was left out. Of note, however, the cumulative entries in the diary did present a somewhat different picture of Gregory "Pappy" Boyington than I have seen in other venues.

Since the book is in diary form with many missing dates, it is somewhat difficult to read and, as you might expect in this form, there is some lack of continuity. One diary entry doesn't necessarily relate to the one before or the one after. Nevertheless, this book includes some valuable and noteworthy information and should be of interest to anyone seeking to learn more about the Flying Tigers.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An eyewitness account: good stuff, June 24, 1999

By 

Dan Ford ([e-mail]) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Flying Tiger's Diary (Centennial Series of the Association of Former Students, Texas A&M University) (Paperback)

General Bond kept a diary during his year with the American Volunteer Group. Unfortunately, it was slightly edited for publication, so we don't in all cases get his unvarnished view. Still, it's by far the best account currently in print from the point of view of one of the original Flying Tiger pilots. There's some historical context provided by historian Terry Anderson.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars ADVENTURE IN CHINA, February 22, 2008

By 

Capt. Lou Costello "Capt. Lou" (Asia) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: A Flying Tiger's Diary (Centennial Series of the Association of Former Students, Texas a & M University) (Hardcover)

as one one of the remarkable "Flying Tigers". Charles Bond was a young man who longed to fly fighter planes but found himself stuck flying four engined bombers. When the chance to resign from the Army Air Corps and fulfill his dream of flying fighters came along he jumped at it and never looked back. His book is a fine record of his time with the American Volunteer Group and is filled with personal insight on his fellow pilots and the very valuable ground people of the AVG. He became an ace and also himself underwent the harrowing experience of being shot down and wounded during his service with the storied AVG.

His descriptions of the somewhat lively air combat, his thoughts on Claire Chennault, Greg Boyington, and his feelings about China make for a fine read. Bond had a long and distinguished military career and he retired from the Air Force as a Major General.