General Claire Chennault

One of WWII’s most underrated generals and founder of the Flying Tigers.

A WWI veteran who became partially deaf from flying, Chennault championed fighter aircraft in the 1930s when U.S. Army Air Corps doctrine favored bombers. His outspoken views led to conflicts with superiors and his retirement in 1937.

He then went to China as an aviation adviser to Chiang Kai-shek, helping rebuild the Chinese air force against Japanese invasion. In 1941, he organized the American Volunteer Group—the legendary Flying Tigers—using P-40 Warhawks with iconic shark-mouth paint. Their early successes after Pearl Harbor provided a vital morale boost for the Allies. When the U.S. entered the war, the group integrated into the U.S. Army Air Forces. Chennault returned to active duty, rising to major general and commanding the 14th Air Force in China. He clashed repeatedly with Gen. Joseph Stilwell over strategy and resources, leading to political sidelining. Despite the obstacles, Chennault’s innovative tactics and leadership inflicted heavy losses on Japanese forces.

The shark-mouthed P-40s of the Flying Tigers remain an enduring symbol of American grit and excellence in WWII. Valor is in you. Set it free.