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Flying Tigers: Claire Chennault and the American Volunteer Group Paperback – April 1, 1995

by Daniel Ford (Author)

79 customer reviews

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During World War II, in the skies over Rangoon, Burma, a handful of American pilots met and bloodied the "Imperial Wild Eagles" of Japan and in turn won immortality as the Flying Tigers. One of America's most famous combat forces, the Tigers were recruited to defend beleaguered China for $600 a month and a bounty of $500 for each Japanese plane they shot down—fantastic money in an era when a Manhattan hotel room cost three dollars a night.

To bring his prize-winning history of the American Volunteer Group up to date, Daniel Ford has completely rewritten his 1991 text, drawing on the most recent U.S., British, and Japanese scholarship. New material from AVG veterans—including Erik Shilling and Tex Hill—help fill out the story, along with newfound recollections from Japanese and New Zealand airmen. Ford also takes up the rumors that Royal Air Force pilots "sold" combat victories to the Flying Tigers in order to share in the bounties paid by the Chinese government.

"Admirable," wrote Chennault biographer Martha Byrd of Ford's original text. "A readable book based on sound sources. Expect some surprises." Even more could that be said of this new and more complete edition.

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Flying Tigers: Claire Chennault and the American Volunteer Group

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Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Many books, articles, films, and TV productions have appeared on the legendary exploits of the Flying Tigers, General Chennault's small band of U.S. Army and Navy pilots recruited to fly for China in 1941. This is not another laudatory work. The author tries to strip away many of the legends surrounding the Group. There were never more than 100 pilots (not 200). Some of them enlisted for adventure and some for patriotic reasons. The majority were attracted by the salary--$500 per month plus a bonus for every enemy plane destroyed--much more than they could earn in the peacetime Army. Most served out their year's contract, collected that money, and went home. Contrary to popular opinion, they were not fighting the Japanese before America entered the war. They did not see action until December 7th. The Group destroyed 115 enemy planes and lost 22. Actually they had little influence on the outcome of World War II; but 50 years later the publicity rolls on. A worthwhile addition to aviation and World War II collections. P.S., John Wayne never served with the Flying Tigers. For a roundup of books on Pearl Harbor and the Pacific War, see "Day of Infamy in Print," LJ 9/1/91, p. 206-7.--Ed.
- Stanley Itkin, Hillside P.L., New Hyde Park, N.Y.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Review

This early edition of Ford's prize-winning history of the Flying Tigers is out of print. Search the Amazon store for 0692734732 for the revised and updated third edition.

"Far from being diminished by close scrutiny, the Tigers emerge as heroes of honest substance." -- Air Power History, Spring 1992

"Ford's breezy yet detailed narrative describes the Tigers in realistic terms, portraying both their greatness and their flaws." -- Air & Space / Smithsonian, April 1992

"Ford's research for this book has been formidably thorough. He has separated truth from myth in several key areas." -- Boston Sunday Globe, October 20, 1991

"War history as it should be written." -- The Hook, Winter 1991

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Product details

Paperback: 464 pages
Publisher: Smithsonian Books (April 1, 1995)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1560985410
ISBN-13: 978-1560985419
Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 1.2 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 79 customer reviews
Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,629,546 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #8412 in Books > History > Military > Aviation
- #30031 in Books > History > Military > World War II
- #175089 in Books > History > Americas

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High flying history of the highest caliber.

ByJeff Jelletson March 23, 2015

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

Daniel Ford’s Flying Tigers is the high-flying history of a group of American aviators who took to the skies over southeast Asia in 1941 to challenge the seemingly unstoppable military might of the Japanese empire, which had begun its juggernaut –like march across much of Asia and the Pacific. Lured by promises of high pay and bounties by the beleaguered Chinese government, the rough-and-tumble Americans flew with guts and bravado and, though nearly always outnumbered and under-supplied, downed more than 100 Japanese planes from 1941 through 1942.

This is fantastic history, painstakingly researched by author Daniel Ford, from a composite of both western and eastern sources that is sweeping in scope and balanced in perspective. At the same time, this is far from a stodgy historical tome; the dogfights are pulse-poundingly recreated from the hammer of the machine guns to whine of straining engines and propellers. Ford evokes all the nail-biting chaos and split-second maneuvering of aerial combat, drawing directly from the logs, diaries, and records of the combatants. I know (only because Ford clues us in the preface) that there is considerable controversy regarding the number of “kills” accredited to the Tigers, but whatever the actual number is, it does little to diminish the bravery or gumption of the pilots. (And to be fair, by the close of the book, Ford often a pretty good case when it comes to the final tally of downed aircraft).

This is also not a novel penned through rose-colored glasses. Ford acknowledges that while patriotism played a role, money was also a motivator. There’s certainly a sense of a proto-military-industrialism among some of the backers of the AVG operation, and the Tigers themselves tend toward the Hand Solo-side of things rather than the more altruistic Luke Skywalker-type. Throw in femme fatales like green-eyed Olga Greenlaw and the mysterious Madame Chiang Kai-Shek and the mythology fairly writes itself. To his credit, Ford doesn’t give in to this lure and sticks to the facts, but the characters, locale, time period, and subject matter are simply irresistible and fairly beg for pulpy fictionalization.

Bottom line ... Ford delivers a solid historical narrative that never skimps on the details, but reads like an adventure novel. Bravo! And, to echo the author, all honor to the men and women of the Flying Tigers.

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A great source for a research paper

ByJonathanVINE VOICEon December 6, 2011

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

Ford's "Flying Tigers" is the best, most thorough history of the American Volunteer Group I have read to date. It is an enjoyable read, rich in detail, and has just enough personal drama without compromising its historical integrity. Many reviewers have already focused on reviewing the book in general, but I'd like to focus on one particular application of the book: as a great source for a research paper.

First off, the AVG is an excellent topic for a research paper. World War II was such a big war, you can take an entire college-level class on the conflict and never hear the AVG mentioned (as I did), and professors tend to like it when their students choose a topic that was not covered extensively in class (said my professor: "I'm telling you right now, I do not want ANOTHER paper on D-Day").

Obviously, anyone writing a paper will want more than one source, but Ford has written an easily-comprehended and almost totally comprehensive book. I used roughly six sources for my 13-page paper, and of the 75+ citations I made Ford's book was in all but two of them.

Ford covers two areas primarily: the career of Claire Chennault up until the AVG disbanded, and the actions of the Flying Tigers while they were still the AVG. If your paper would need detailed information of the Sino-Japanese conflict leading up to 1941, or to cover anything after the AVG disbanded (note that the US Army force that moved in to replace the AVG also called themselves the "Flying Tigers, so don't be confused), you would need to read something else in addition to this book (such as Into the Teeth of the Tiger, which is a autobiography that documents a good chunk of the post-AVG conflict with cameos from major characters from Ford's book).

And, of infinite value to someone writing a paper, Ford's book features an extensive index and appendices for quick reference.

As far as sources go, Ford's book is hard to beat. If you are in a modern or military history class and are hunting for a topic, consider the AVG. Ford's book will make your life much easier.

11 comment 2 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YesNo

This is a very in-depth book covering not just the ...

ByDues'y H.on January 21, 2015

Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase

This is a very in-depth book covering not just the American Volunteer Group (AVG) but both sides and views of events that took place. It deals with personalities and mistakes made by Americans and Japanese, various type aircraft used and tactics, operating with extreme shortages, It is also a story about a small group of men and aircraft who endeared themselves to Chinese people, made the only "good news" at wars beginning and carved a niche in the history books for their exploits..

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Well worth reading

ByElnako1on April 20, 2013

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

This book covers a period of history that I had not had an opportunity to read about previously. I understand that some survivors have taken serious issue with some of the author's assertions. Personally, I hope a lot of the stories are true as it paints a brilliant picture of real human beings creating their own destiny and making their mark on history.

To think of the chances they took and what they achieved it could make you feel a bit inadequate! they deserve a fitting tribute and i believe that this book delivers it.

Elnako

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A good book on the AVG.

ByHistory buffon August 7, 2012

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

I like this book. It covers the major air battles as well as how the Tigers.were formed. Goes.into the short biographies of manyof the pilots. It also gives info on the RAF & the Japanese forces involved. Info on the.planes is covered nicely at the back of the book. Also at the back is a list of AVG pilots & the kills they scored. A truly awesome book. I have this to go along with my volumes of Bloody Shambles vols. 1&2. A must have for any Pacific air war collection. The volume I have of flying tigers is the revised & updated version.