September 23, 1919 - December 23, 1941

The Flying Tigers were American boys from 41 of our states, fighter pilots trained in our own Army and Navy, who became members of the new A.V.G. (American Volunteer Group) employed by the government of Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek to protect the lifeline of China, the Burma Road. The Flying Tigers began under the leadership of Claire Lee Chennault with 100 Curtiss-Wright P-40B Tomahawks and the volunteer pilots to fly them.

They went on from there. They went on in smoke and flame and blood and death to compose their epic; (one of) the most spectacular in the annals of air warfare. They saved Rangoon and the Burma Road for 65 precious days. They became the demigods of fighting China.

Wingman Henry Gilbert, Jr. of Lovell, Wyoming was the youngest of the Flying Tigers at the age of 22.

On December 23, 1941, two waves of Japanese bombers accompanied by fighters were approaching Mingaladon. Fourteen P-40's and 16 Brewsters of the R.A.F. took off to meet the attack.

Gilbert dived on one of the bomber formations, shooting out bursts and striking two of them but without hitting vital spots. In the attack, his P-40 was hit by a cannon shell and screamed out of the battle to crash into the jungle below.

There had been no parachute, and Henry Gilbert was the first Flying Tiger to die in combat.



Dedicated June 29, 1985


(Original dedication area located at park on east end of Main Street)
Dedicatory remarks by A.V.G. Squadron Leader David L. "Tex" Hill, A.V.G. Flight Leader Noel R. Bacon and the World War Anniversary Committee

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