Flying Tigers Museum Celebrates China-US Friendship Journey

In the quaint town of Zhijiang in Dong Autonomous County, Hunan Province, the Flying Tigers Memorial Museum stands as a tribute to an extraordinary chapter in history. This location not only commemorates the wartime camaraderie between the United States and China but also highlights their shared commitment against fascism during World War II.

The alliance began in earnest after the Lugou Bridge Incident, which marked the start of China's full-scale resistance against Japanese aggression. At that time, US General Claire Lee Chennault made a pivotal promise: 'I'll help China as much as I can if you need.' Shortly thereafter, Chennault organized a group of American volunteer pilots known as the Flying Tigers, formally the American Volunteer Group (AVG), to assist in the defense efforts.

During the height of their operations, over 6,000 American pilots found refuge in Zhijiang Dong Autonomous County. Sadly, more than 2,000 members of the Flying Tigers made the ultimate sacrifice during their missions. Local Chinese citizens bravely engaged in rescues, saving over 200 downed airmen, often at a great personal cost.

General Chennault reflected on this solidarity in his memoir 'Way of a Fighter,' noting the unyielding support from the Chinese people. He emphasized that an impressive 95 percent of American airmen who fell behind enemy lines were saved by their Chinese counterparts, despite the severe repercussions they faced for aiding these soldiers.

Currently, the Flying Tigers Memorial Museum retains this poignant narrative of wartime partnership and mutual respect. The museum's layout features three main buildings: the central memorial hall, along with two historical wartime structures, the original control tower of the Sino-American Air Force and the clubhouse of the Chinese American Composite Wing.

Inside the main hall, visitors are greeted by an array of historical artifacts, including personal belongings of American and Chinese pilots, as well as striking photographs that depict everyday life and military collaboration during the war.

Wu Jianhong, the museum's director, has shared that many artifacts have been generously donated by descendants of Flying Tigers veterans, Chinese Americans, and American supporters. He proudly notes, 'You could say the Flying Tigers Memorial Museum is a joint creation of the Chinese and American people.'

Among the displayed artifacts are vivid, high-quality color photographs taken by American signalman Joe Day, who donated these invaluable images to the museum in 2014. These photographs provide an authentic glimpse into the conditions faced by pilots and their camaraderie during this transformative period.

While touring the museum, I witnessed a diverse array of visitors, including elderly patrons, youth tour groups, and an influx of international guests, many of whom came specifically to learn about the history of the Flying Tigers and their efforts alongside Chinese citizens.

According to Wu, the museum plays a crucial role in cultural exchange between the US and China. He remarked on the significant number of foreign visitors, particularly Americans, who come to connect with the site that holds such historical significance.

In September, to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the global fight against fascism, a delegation of descendants of Flying Tigers veterans will visit Zhijiang. A series of events will be organized to honor this enduring legacy.

Although the battlefields have been quiet for decades, the narrative of the Flying Tigers and their cooperative spirit with the Chinese community continues to resonate. Their story epitomizes what can be achieved through unity and mutual support during times of conflict.