Flying Tigers Pilots' Signatures Collage

Presented is a color photograph of the legendary “Flying Tigers” in flight, signed by multiple members of the Flying Tigers and 23rd Fighter Group. The photograph is signed in black ink and felt tip by David Lee "Tex" Hill, Kenneth O. Jernstedt, Robert L. Scott, Jr., Dick Rossi, Paul J. Green, Charlie Bond, Erik Shilling, Ed Rector, Chuck Older, Bob Layher, Bruce Holloway, Robert T. Smith, Bob Neale, Charlie Mott, and Donald Lopez. It is paired with a second color photograph of pilots Chuck Older and Robert T. Smith being honored and decorated for their service in Rangoon, Burma, signed by Older and Smith.

The Flying Tigers group, otherwise known as the First American Volunteer Group, is one of the most effective aviation units of all time. In April 1941, American President Franklin Roosevelt issued a secret executive order authorizing reserve officers and enlisted men to resign from the Army Air Corps, Naval, and Marine air services for the purpose of serving in the American Volunteer Group under the command of Claire Lee Chennault. Their mission was to to fight the invading Japanese in Burma and China, during 1941-42. Chennault divided his unit of 100 P-40 fighters into three squadrons, stationed two in Kunming and the third in Burma to protect China’s passage to the sea.

The AVG first saw combat on December 20, 1941 when ten enemy heavy bombers raided Kunming. AVG fighters intercepted the bombers, shooting down six and damaging three while sustaining no casualties of their own. With the support of Chinese code breakers and signal intelligence, the AVG continued to provide cover for Chinese ground forces and defend Chinese cities against attacks by enemy bombers. Their exploits and distinct plane nose art designs garnered them the legendary nickname of the Flying Tigers.

Facing chronic shortages of fuel, parts, and pilots, this small company of air fighters nevertheless scored victory after victory over the far larger and better-equipped Japanese air force. It was a short-lived unit but during the seven months they flew combat, they destroyed almost 300 Japanese attacking airplanes. 20 pilots became “Aces” during their time with AVG and two went on to win the Medal of Honor.  

The 23rd Fighter Group, meanwhile, was formed from the simultaneously disbanded Flying Tigers on July 4, 1942 and inherited its mission. Honoring the history of the AVG, the 23rd continued to use the Shark Tooth nose art of the AVG's P-40 Warhawks, along with the "FT" tail code. Robert Scott became the first commander, and AVG veterans Tex Hill, Bruce Holloway, and Ed Rector were a few of the original Flying Tigers to reunite in the 23rd.

CONDITION:

Very good condition overall. Color photograph of the A.V.G., the "Flying Tigers", in flight. Signed and inscribed in blue ink and black ink by 15 members of the famed squadron. Signatures are legible, without smudges or much fading. The photograph measures  8" H x 10"W. 

Framed with a color photograph showing Chuck Older and Robert T. Smith in Rangoon, Burma. Signed “Chuck Older” and “R.T. Smith” in black felt tip pen in the sky. The photograph color is lightly toned. Signatures are bold and strong. The photograph measures  8" H x 10"W. 

The photographs are archivally mounted and framed with acid-free dark linen mats, a wooden spandrel, UV glass, a descriptive metal plaque, and custom wooden frame with gold bead.

Framed Dimensions: 31" H x 19 1/4" W x 1 3/8" D.

Accompanied by our company's letter of authenticity.