The Legend Begins by Roy Grinnell The A.V.G. began their legendary fame on their first combat, December 20, 1941, over the skies of Kunming, China.  A formation of Japanese Kawasaki Ki-48 "Lilly's" from the 21st Hikotai was heading to Kunming.  Suddenly, the tight formation of bombers was intercepted by P-40B's of the 1st and 2nd squadrons of the A.V.G.  The fighters came out of the sun from 20,000 feet.  Through the overcast sky they dove, guns blazing in defiance at the intruders.  As the battle raged, two of the bombers began to smoke and lag behind.  Evidently, the two and another crashed into the hills below.  Three bombers were officially credited to the A.V.G.  Chennault was elated - it was their first combat and not a pilot was lost.  Only one of the Ki-48 bombers made it back to its home field.  Madam Chaing Kai-shek would soon address the American volunteers as: "My boys, my flying tigers." The Artists Proofs are signed by 14 Flying Tigers including:    "Tex" Hill,  Dick Rossi,  Chuck Older, Peter Wright, Ed Stiles,  Frank Losonsky, Bob 'Buzz' Keaton, Joe Poshefko, Chuck Baisden, Bob Lahyer, Leo J. Schramm, Ken Jernstedt, Bob Locke and "Rich" Richardson. Print Size:    23 3/4" x 30" Image Size:    20" x  25" Available as an Artist Proof Only: Sold Out Copyright © 1999 Military Art Gallery