The American Volunteer Group (AVG) or "Flying Tigers" were the first Americans to see action against the Japanese in World War II. Manned by volunteers and flying American aircraft acquired from the British, the AVG fought in the face of overwhelming odds in China and Burma prior to the US entry into World War II. Pilots such as "Pappy" Boyington, R.T. Smith and John Petach became household names due to their exploits against the Japanese Army Air Force. This title marks the start of the sharks-mouth legend in the USAAF. It includes a look at profiles, planforms and badge artwork.

Author Biography

Jim Laurier is a native of New Hampshire. He graduated with honours from the Paiers School of Art Connecticut, in 1978 and has worked as a freelance illustrator ever since completing assignments in a wide variety of fields. Jim has a keen interest in military subjects, both aviation and armour, and is a Fellow member of the American Society of Aviation Artists, the New York Society of Illustrators and the American Fighter Aces Association. Terrill J Clements has devoted much of his adult life to researching the Avg, its aircraft and pilots, since leaving postgraduate studies in Lincoln, Nebraska. Now a resident of Seattle. Washington, his work on the 'Fiying Tigers' is undoubtedly one of the most thoroughly researched, privately-published, documents in print.