Flying Tigers and the Hump

Flying Tigers and the Hump The United States was providing supplies and helping China defend themselves against Japan since early 1941. Aerial protection began with the American Volunteer Group (AVG) pilot crew that became known as the Flying Tigers. These fighter planes protected Chinese airspace. After the U.S. entered World War II, the volunteer Flying Tigers fell under command of the Army Air Force. Flying Tigers Insignia After several important supply routes, such as the Burma Road, were taken by the Japanese, U.S. cargo planes flew huge quantities of supplies from India over the Himalayan Mountains to areas needing supplies in China. These transportation runs became known as “Flying the Hump.” The high mountains and unpredictable weather conditions made the cargo runs very dangerous. Transporting supplies was crucial in winning the war against Japan. Several Douglas cadets participated in this China-Burma-India (CBI) Theater as fighter and cargo pilots. Learn about two of these pilots and fill in the blanks below using the word bank. C-46 cargo plane Lt. William F.X. “Bill” Band Lt. Band trained in the Douglas Class of 1943-D. He became a fighter pilot with the __________________________and flew 102 ________________. He flew many planes including the P-40 and P- 51. He was decorated with many awards including the Silver Star, which he earned when he made a surprise attack on 4,000 _________________soldiers. After the attack, his plane was so badly damaged he barely was able to land on the ________________. Word Bank Lt. Band in front of P-40 fighter plane. Cargo Capt. Bliss Thorne Japanese Capt. Thorne trained in the Douglas Class of 1943- C. He became a __________ pilot and “flew the Flying Tigers hump” over the ______________ Himalayan Mountains _______________. He mainly flew the C-46 plane. He wrote a book about his experiences and later Airfield went on to serve in the Air Force Reserves. Missions Capt. Thorne cadet class photograph. World War II Flight Training Museum wwiiflighttraining.org .

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