The Flying Tigers, the name has a special meaning in the history of the Chinese War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. It is not only a special unit composed of United States pilots, but also a symbol of friendship and cooperation between the Chinese and American peoples. The full name of the Flying Tigers is the United States Volunteer Air Force of the Chinese Air Force, which provided valuable air support to China against the Japan invaders during World War II.
The Flying Tigers were created by Claire · Lee · Chennault, an experienced United States flight instructor. Chennault was invited by the Chinese government to come to China to help build the Air Force. At that time, China was facing a severe war situation and urgently needed the support of air power. Chennault, with his superior flying skills and tactical concepts, quickly assembled this flying team of United States volunteers. They flew P-40 fighter jets, with their distinctive shark mouth livery and flying tiger logo, which became a beautiful scenery on the battlefield in China.
The Flying Tigers played an important role in the war of resistance. Not only did they participate in numerous air battles, shooting down a large number of enemy aircraft, but they also carried out reconnaissance, bombing, and transport missions. The existence of the Flying Tigers greatly improved the morale of the Chinese army, and at the same time constituted a huge deterrent to the Japan invaders. Chennault and his team members won the respect and love of the Chinese people with their superb flying skills and fearless fighting spirit.
However, the history of the Flying Tigers has not been without its challenges. In the early days of the war, due to limited resources, the Flying Tigers faced difficulties such as insufficient equipment and short training time. However, with their firm belief and tenacious will, the team members overcame many difficulties and gradually grew into a powerful air force. Their heroic deeds have been praised by future generations and have become a good story of friendship between China and the United States.
As the war progressed, the Flying Tigers continued to grow. After the United States officially declared war on Japan, the Flying Tigers were incorporated into the United States Army Air Force and became part of the 14th Air Force. Chennault was appointed commander of the 14th Air Force and continued to lead this heroic team. Under Chennault's command, the Flying Tigers achieved a series of brilliant results and made indelible contributions to the victory of China's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression.
The members of the Flying Tigers come from different backgrounds, but they all share a common goal: to help China fight the invaders and defend justice and peace. Many of them died heroically in battle, exemplifying their lives in the persistent pursuit of freedom and justice. The story of the Flying Tigers is a history of courage, sacrifice and glory that will always be remembered.
On October 13, 2010, Wu Qiyi, the last Chinese member of the Flying Tigers, passed away, marking the end of the history of the Flying Tigers. Wu Qiyi's death is not only the end of an era, but also a profound memory of that period of history. Although the Flying Tigers have become history, their spirit and contributions will always be remembered by the Chinese people. Today, when we look back on those years filled with gunpowder, we cherish the preciousness of peace even more, and at the same time, we are more grateful to the heroes who sacrificed so much for peace and justice. The story of the Flying Tigers will continue to inspire us as we work tirelessly to build a better world.
Wu Qiyi, a name that has left a deep mark on the history of Chinese aviation, his story is the embodiment of courage, wisdom and sacrifice. Wu Qiyi was born in Fujian Province, on the southeast coast of China, a place with a long history and a rich mix of people. In that turbulent era, Wu Qiyi's life was destined to be closely linked to the fate of the country.
Soon, Wu Qiyi's flying career ushered in an important turning point. With the outbreak of the Sino-Japanese War, China urgently needed air power to defend against Japan's aggression. Against this backdrop, Wu joined the Flying Tigers, a special flying team of United States volunteers. The Flying Tigers made significant contributions to the victory of China's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression with their outstanding flying skills and heroic fighting spirit.
During his time with the Flying Tigers, Wu Qiyi showed extraordinary flying skills and heroic fighting spirit. He flew a P-40 fighter jet and engaged in many fierce air battles with the Japan Air Force. In these battles, Wu Qiyi shot down five Japan planes, a feat that not only demonstrated his flying skills, but also demonstrated his determination and courage to resist the invaders. His bravery earned him the respect of his colleagues and the praise of his superiors.
In addition to the brilliant results achieved in air battles, Wu Qiyi also successfully completed the task of flying over the "Hump Route" four times. The "Hump Route" was an important air supply route between China and its allies during the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. Since the ground lines of communication were cut off by the Japanese army, this route became the only way for China to obtain strategic supplies. Flying over the "Hump Route" was an extremely challenging task, with pilots flying in harsh climates and complex terrain, while also facing interception and attack by Japanese troops. Wu Qiyi successfully completed this arduous task and made important contributions to the victory of China's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression.
For his outstanding performance during his time with the Flying Tigers, Wu Qiyi was awarded the "Cross of Merit in Flight" and the "Aviation Medal". These honors are not only a recognition of his personal heroism, but also an affirmation of the contributions of all members of the Flying Tigers. Wu Qiyi's deeds inspired countless Chinese and became a model for the Chinese Air Force during the Anti-Japanese War.
The story of Wu Qiyi is a microcosm of the history of the Flying Tigers. The trajectory of his life is closely linked to the history of China's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. From a small village in Fujian, to a cadet at the Whampoa Military Academy, to a heroic pilot of the Flying Tigers, Wu Qiyi's life is full of legends. His story is a history of courage, wisdom and sacrifice, which will always be remembered and learned.
Although the history of the Flying Tigers is gone, the spirit of Wu Qiyi and other members of the Flying Tigers still inspires us. With their actions, they have interpreted what is a real hero and what is loyalty to the country and the people. Today, we look back on this period of history, not only to remember the heroes who sacrificed their lives for national independence and national liberation, but also to draw strength from their stories and move forward. Wu Qiyi's deeds will always inspire us to make unremitting efforts to realize the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
Wu Qiyi, a name that has left a deep mark on the history of Chinese aviation, began with a teenager who was full of longing for flying. Wu Qiyi was born in an ordinary family in Fujian and received a good education since he was a child. At that time, China was experiencing profound social changes and national crises, and Wu Qiyi's growth was deeply affected by the fate of the country, and his heart gradually sprouted the ambition to serve the country.
In 1936, the trajectory of Wu Qiyi's life underwent a major change. That year, he happened to see a notice of enrollment at the Whampoa Military Academy in Qingdao. This notice was like a light that illuminated the dream in his heart. At that time, China was facing a serious threat of Japan's aggression, and the country urgently needed to train its own military talents. Wu Qiyi realized the importance of aviation power to national defense, and he decided to give up his studies and devote himself to a military career in order to realize his ambition of "saving the country through aviation."
In the process of studying in aviation school, Wu Qiyi not only mastered flying skills, but also deeply understood the responsibilities and missions of a pilot. He knows very well that the plane he flies is not only a means of transportation, but also a sharp weapon for defending the country and national dignity. This sense of responsibility and mission became the spiritual pillar for Wu Qiyi to fight bravely on the battlefield in the future.
In 1937, the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression broke out, and China faced an unprecedented crisis. As an outstanding graduate of the aviation school, Wu Qiyi was selected into the newly established Flying Tigers. The Flying Tigers are a special flying team created by United States flight instructors Claire · Lee · Chennault, consisting mainly of United States volunteers who flew advanced P-40 fighter jets and provided valuable air support for China's war of resistance.
After joining the Flying Tigers, Wu Qiyi quickly showed his flying talent and combat ability. In many air battles with the Japan Air Force, he successfully shot down many enemy planes with his superb flying skills and calm judgment, winning honor for the Flying Tigers and setting an example for the Chinese Air Force. His heroic performance has not only won the respect of his colleagues, but also received praise and awards from his superiors.
During his time in the Flying Tigers, Wu Qiyi also participated in many important military operations. One of the most famous is the "Hump Route" mission. The "Hump Route" was an important air supply line between China and its allies during the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, and because the ground lines of communication were cut off by the Japanese army, this route became the only channel for China to obtain strategic materials. Flying over the "Hump Route" was an extremely challenging task, with pilots flying in harsh climates and complex terrain, while also facing interception and attack by Japanese troops. With his extraordinary courage and flying skills, Wu Qiyi successfully completed this arduous task and made important contributions to the victory of China's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression.
Wu Qiyi's deeds are a microcosm of the history of the Flying Tigers. The trajectory of his life is closely linked to the history of China's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. From a small village in Fujian, to a cadet at the Whampoa Military Academy, to a heroic pilot of the Flying Tigers, Wu Qiyi's life is full of legends. His story is a history of courage, wisdom and sacrifice, which will always be remembered and learned.
Wu Qiyi, the pilot who made great achievements for the Chinese Air Force during the Anti-Japanese War, his flying career is full of legends. During those years, Wu Qiyi accumulated more than 800 hours of flight, a figure that was extremely rare among pilots at that time, which is enough to prove his activity on the battlefield and his contribution to the war of resistance.
In Wu Qiyi's flying career, he was shot down by the Japanese army three times, each time almost meant the end of his life, but each time he struggled back from the line of death with his strong will and excellent flying skills. On one occasion, Wu Qiyi flew a trainer plane, which usually means that the aircraft is inferior in performance and armament to fighter jets. However, during one of his missions, he was besieged by the Japanese army. In the fierce air battle, the trainer plane was unfortunately shot and finally crashed into the Jialing River.
Wu Qiyi was seriously injured after the crash, but fortunately, he was rescued by the local people in time. In those difficult times, the lives of the people were also very difficult, but they still did not hesitate to lend a hand and help the heroic pilot in their own way. They not only provided the necessary medical assistance, but also helped Wu Qiyi hide from being discovered by the Japanese army. This profound relationship between the military and the people was one of the important forces for the victory of the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression.
On another occasion, when Wu Qiyi was carrying out an air raid mission in Xiangtan, a fighter plane was unfortunately shot. In this case, most pilots may choose to parachute to escape, but Wu Qiyi did not do so. With his deep understanding of flight and precise control of the fighter plane, he successfully crossed the enemy's air defense network and finally returned to the base safely. This feat not only showcased Wu Qiyi's flying skills, but also demonstrated his courage and determination.
Wu Qiyi's experience is only a small part of his countless flight missions during the Anti-Japanese War. Every take-off is a contest with death; Every landing is a miracle of life. His flying career is the best interpretation of the belief that "aviation saves the country". In that era, pilots were scarce talents, and every flight was full of risks, but Wu Qiyi and his comrades-in-arms, for the sake of the country and the people, did not hesitate to choose this path full of dangers.
The story of Wu Qiyi is a microcosm of the Chinese Air Force pilots during the Anti-Japanese War. With their lives and blood, they defended the country's airspace and the dignity of the nation. Today, we look back on this period of history, not only to remember the heroes who sacrificed their lives for national independence and national liberation, but also to draw strength from their stories and move forward. Wu Qiyi's deeds will always inspire us to make unremitting efforts to realize the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
In Wu Qiyi's flying career, he showed not only his personal bravery and flying skills, but also the collective image of the Chinese Air Force pilots in that era. In the face of strong enemies, they are not afraid of hardships and dangers, and they move forward bravely. Every flight is an extreme challenge of flying technology and courage, and every battle is a profound embodiment of the value of life and national responsibility. Wu Qiyi and his comrades-in-arms used their actions to write a glorious chapter in the history of China's aviation.
After the victory of the Anti-Japanese War, Wu Qiyi's life entered a new stage. As a successful pilot in the war, he was selected to attend the Department of Tactics at the United States Air Force University to further improve his flight skills and tactical theory. This is a rare learning opportunity and a recognition of his contribution to the Anti-Japanese War. In the United States, Wu Qiyi not only learned advanced flight technology and tactical knowledge, but also broadened his horizons and understood the new trend of world aviation development.
However, with the news of the founding of New China, Wu Qiyi resolutely interrupted his studies in United States and returned to the mainland. He is well aware that although the country has come out of the smoke of the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, the new construction task is equally arduous. As a soldier, he has the responsibility to contribute his strength to the construction and development of New China. After returning to China, Wu Qiyi served as an instructor for the PLA Air Force, passing on his experience on the battlefield and what he learned in the United States to a new generation of pilots.
During his tenure as an instructor, Wu Qiyi trained batch after batch of outstanding pilots with a rigorous teaching attitude and rich practical combat experience. He knows that flying is not only a technology, but also a responsibility and mission. He is strict with his trainees and cares about their growth and development. Under his teaching, many pilots became the backbone of the Air Force and made important contributions to China's aviation industry.
However, Wu Qiyi's later years were not peaceful. During this special period, he was unjustly persecuted and his life was in trouble. To make a living, he had to pedal a tricycle for a living, in stark contrast to his former image of a pilot soaring in the blue sky. Despite the difficulties of life, Wu Qiyi never gave up his love for life and his dedication to flying. He firmly believed that justice and truth would overcome all difficulties.
In 1979, Wu Qiyi was finally rehabilitated and his reputation was restored. However, due to various reasons, the medal he received in the War of Resistance has been lost and cannot be recovered. This is undoubtedly a pity for Wu Qiyi, but he faces all this with an open-minded attitude. In his view, the medal is only a symbol of honor, and the real honor is his contribution to the country and the people during the Anti-Japanese War.
In 2010, when Wu Qiyi was worshipping at Yuewang Temple, he saw the words "Loyal to the Country", which made him emotional and tearful. These four words are not only the best interpretation of his life's struggle, but also the best summary of his life's beliefs. From "aviation to save the country" in his youth to "loyal to the country" in his later years, Wu Qiyi used his actions to interpret a soldier's loyalty and dedication to the country and the people.
Wu Qiyi's life is a journey full of ups and downs and challenges. From a heroic pilot during the Anti-Japanese War, to an air force instructor after the founding of New China, to an old man pedaling a tricycle in his later years, his life has undergone a huge change. However, no matter in which period, Wu Qiyi has contributed his strength to the country and the people with a pure heart. His story is a history of courage, wisdom and sacrifice, which will always be remembered and learned.