THE FLYING TIGERS

The Untold Story of the American Pilots

Who Waged a Secret War Against Japan

 

SAM KLEINER

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

The winners of wars write the history of them. Some stories of heroes are not because government leaders hide them to keep a political secret.

In this case, the Flying Tigers, a USA civilian group, contracted to a private corporation, were fighting for China against Japan. Their air battles didn't start until after Pearl Harbor destruction by the Japanese.

They became heroes because of their courageous outnumbered air battles against a formidable foe. Tigers were not military disciplined but were deliberate and meticulous trained to do the job by Claire Chennault.

Sam Kleiner's detailed history does not name all, who were the original contracted Tigers, but the brief bios of some give the reader a sense of war's human turmoil. Claire Chennault's story is the book's backbone; however, it is different from the movie with John Wayne.

Mr. Kleiner's writing brings out some of the conflicts between Chennault and his pilots, i.e., Pappy Boyington, later a Medal of Honor recipient. When the Tigers were forced to disband, all did not go well for his heroes, of which little is written.

This well-written history book is in novel form, which made reading it enjoyable. If you like history in action, this book is for you.

 

Purchase: https://amzn.to/3bGt9eh