Flying Tigers. The First American Volunteer Group (AVG) of the Republic of China Air Force, nicknamed the Flying Tigers, was formed to help oppose the Japanese invasion of China. Operating in 1941–1942, it was composed of pilots from the United States Army Air Corps, Navy, and Marine Corps, and was commanded by Claire Lee Chennault. Their mission was to bomb Japan and defend the Republic of China. The group consisted of three fighter squadrons of around 30 aircraft each that trained in Burma before the American entry into World War II to defend the Republic of China against Japanese forces. 10” x 8” black and white photograph of a P – 40 aircraft signed by five Flying Tiger aviators: John Alison (1912-2011) “John Alison 75th Ftr Sq 23rd Group China 42 – 43,” David Lee “Tex” Hill (1915-2007) “’Tex’ Hill Sqd. Ldr. 2nd Sqd. A.V.G.,” Donald S. Lopez (1923-2008) “Don Lopez 75th Ftr Sq. 23rd Ftr Gp. China 43 – 45,” Charles Older (1923-2006) “Chuck Older A.V.G. – Flying Tigers & 23rd Fighter Group China – Burma 1941 – 42: 1944 – 45” and Robert Lee Scott (1908-2006) “Bob Scott 23rd Ftr. Gp. China – 1942.” Framed to 12” x 10”.