Flying Tigers Diary Review

1. Bond's early life during the Great Depression: where he grew up, his family, education, relationship with parents.

Where he grew up:

He grew up in Dallas

His Family:

3 brothers, 2 sisters, mother was very religious

His siblings left school to get jobs to help support the family

His father was a carpenter with a small business

Education:

He wanted to attend A&M but couldn't for financial reasons

He also wanted to go to West Point but couldn't because he didn't have political contacts

Took a cram course to try to get enlisted through the ranks

Relationship with parents:

He had a good relationship with his parents

He wrote to them and frequently expressed his yearning to be back home with them.

He wanted to be able to take care of them.

2. U.S. relations with the China, 1931-1942.

Japan started invading China, US helps China out and starts Lend Lease Act to help the Chinese

Lend Lease Act- Allowed the president to lend, lease or simply give away any national military supplies if he deemed it in national interest

*they were allies

3. U.S. relations with Japan, 1931-1941.

When Japan started invading China, the US slowly stopped trading with the Japanese.

Then the Japanese attacked an American gunboat and they apologized afterwards. Americans opinions of Japan sank when they signed a treaty with Italy and Germany.

FDR declared an embargo of strategic materials (steel scrap and metal) against Japan.

Embargo- official ban on trade

4. Origins of the Flying Tigers?

They were used to aid China and the organization was set up through CAMCO (Central Aircraft Manufacturing Company)

- an American Volunteer Group (AVG) of reserved officers and enlisted men who had resigned from the US armed forces

* the operation was a secret

5. Organization and Training of the Flying Tigers?

American Volunteer Group fighter Squadrons were called "advanced training units"

72 hours on the ground

60 hours in the air

mornings --> classrooms

afternoons --> familiarizing with p40's

practiced aerial tactics - the training was very dangerous

many serious accidents occurred while practicing aerial combat

*more on page 39

6. Chennault and his background, and his role with Flying Tigers.

He led the Flying Tigers (supervisor)

He came up with new air fighting tactics

He was also the fighter pilot instructor

Lastly he was offered to help China

7. Why were the Flying Tigers so successful against the Japanese Air Force?

Because the Japanese air force did not alter their tactics depending on combat. they stuck to the book and they were predictable.

8. Symbolism of the Flying Tigers in 1941-42.

hope?

9. Significance of the raid on Chiang Mai?

It was the headquarters of the Japanese Air Force and the raid was successful.

10. World War II romance. What were Bond's views on and relationship with his wife? Who was she and where was she from, her education?

He wrote letters to her, she gave him babies. I did not find anything about her education.

11. Why did Bond leave China in 1942?

Because his contract ended and they would not give him a regular commission so that he could finally realize his dream of having a military career.

12. What was his reception back in the USA?

He was greeted as a returning hero, everyone wanted to hear his stories.

13. Post-Flying Tigers career: college education, military duties, positions and responsibilities until his retirement.

He went to A&M finally

He entered the Army at the Pentagon

He remained a military man

(more on page 218)