Deep in the heart of the Chinese mainland's Hunan Province, the small town of Zhijiang in Dong Autonomous County hides a true gem of history—the Flying Tigers Memorial Museum. This unique tribute celebrates the epic bond forged between China and the United States during World War II.
It all started when US General Claire Lee Chennault declared, "I'll help China as much as I can if you need," rallying a group of daring American volunteer pilots. Known as the Flying Tigers (the American Volunteer Group), they soared into battle to support China's total resistance against aggression.
At the peak of this historic campaign, Zhijiang played a monumental role by hosting over 6,000 American pilots. Tragically, more than 2,000 Flying Tigers lost their lives in combat, while local Chinese heroes risked everything to rescue over 200 downed airmen. Their bravery stands as a timeless symbol of cross-cultural solidarity and sacrifice. 😮
General Chennault, in his memoir "Way of a Fighter," noted, "At least 95 percent of all American airmen that landed alive behind enemy lines were rescued and guided back by Chinese." Today, the museum not only preserves these heroic memories but also inspires young adventurers and history buffs to explore how courage and friendship built bridges across continents.
Reference(s):
Flying Tigers Memorial Museum: A living tribute to China-US friendship
cgtn.com
