Review
“Meticulously researched, carefully documented.” (Washington Times )
“Totally engrossing--just like reliving those days fifty years ago.” (Robert Neale, AVG 1st Squadron )
“War history as it should be written.” (The Hook )
“Admirable--a readable book based on sound sources. Expect a few surprises.” (Air Power Historian )
“A first-rate history.” (Boston Globe )
“A major contribution to the history of the air war in the Pacific.” (Don Lopez, US Army 23rd Fighter Group Flying Tigers )
Book Description
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.
About the Author
Daniel Ford has spent a lifetime chronicling the wars of the twentieth century. He lives in Durham, New Hampshire, where he is a recreational pilot and writes for the Wall Street Journal.
