| The American Volunteer Group (AVG) 'Flying Tigers' began their legendary fame on their first combat, 20 December 1941, over the skies southeast of Kunming, China. A formation of four Japanese Kawasaki Ki-48 'Lilys' from the 21st Hikotai was heading to Kunming. Suddenly, the tight formation of bombers was intercepted by P-40B's of the 1st and 2nd Squadrons of the AVG. The fighters came out of the sun from 20,000 feet. Through the overcast sky, they dove, guns blazing in defiance of the intruders. As the battle raged, two of the bombers began to smoke and lag behind. Ultimately, three bombers crashed into the hills below. These three bombers were officially credited to the AVG. Chennault was elated – it was their first combat and not a pilot was lost. Only one of the Ki-48 bombers made it back to its home field. Madame Chain Kai-Shek would soon address the American volunteers as, 'My boys, my flying tigers'. (Painting by Roy Grinnell)
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