Flying Tigers Reunite in Alabama Today

Flying Tigers Reunite in Alabama Today

Three of the four surviving members of the Flying Tigers, the 1st American Volunteer Group of the Chinese air force during World War II, will participate in an event recognizing the Army Aviation Association of America Fixed Wing Unit of the Year at Redstone Army Air Field today near Huntsville, Ala.

The Flying Tigers who will be participating, Master Sgt. (ret.) Charles “Chuck” Baisden, U.S. Air Force; Maj. (ret.) Ed Stiles, Sr., U.S. Army, and Frank Losonsky, former Flying Tigers crew chief, are celebrating their 72nd reunion.

The Flying Tigers were recruited by the Chinese government, with the permission of then president Franklin D. Roosevelt, to train Chinese pilots in air combat.  A total of 252 men, 87 pilots and 165 support personnel, signed up for a one year service in Burma flying and maintaining P-40 Warhawks from late 1941 through mid-1942.

For the complete story by Drew Galloway of WHNT-TV, click here.

Updated: September 27, 2013 — 11:14 AM
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