Before he arrived in China, Claire Lee Chennault was considered a maverick by the United States Army Air Corps. While the Army Air Corp focused on high-altitude bombing tactics, Chennault advocated for the use of pursuit fighter aircraft. His ideas often put him at odds with his superiors, leading to his resignation from the military in May 1937 (Yu 24). Shortly afterward, Chennault travelled to China, where he accepted an offer to survey the Chinese air force.
When hostilities broke out between China and Japan, Chennault offered his services in fighting the Japanese. Chiang Kai-shek immediately placed him in charge of training China’s fighter groups (Yu 30). For Chennault, this was an opportunity to put his theories of fighter tactics into practice. In October of 1940, Chennault traveled back to the United States to seek military aid for China (Yu 34). This mission culminated in the formation of the American Volunteer Group, the legendary outfit known later as the Flying Tigers. Under his command, the Flying Tigers were successful in defending China from the enemy, despite being outnumbered. The United States’ entrance into the war removed the need for a volunteer air force. The American Volunteer Group disbanded in 1942, its duties replaced first by the China Air Task Force and then the 14th Air Force. Chennault continued to serve in China as commander of the 14th Air Force, replicating his early successes.
On August 1, 1945, Chennault left the country for which he had spent the last eight years fighting. On the way to the airport, many thousands of well-wishers lined the streets of Chongqing. Inspired, Chennault’s driver turned off the ignition and allowed the crowd to push the car to the airport (Scott 273).
Major General Claire L. Chennault,Commanding General of the 14th Air Force, addresses troops at ceremony opening the Ledo Road, Burma. 28 January 1945. Source: National Archives and Records Administration Link: http://www.fold3.com/image/1/52545405/
October 29, 1934 Capt. C.L Chennault, leader of The Flying Trapeze poses in front of a Boeing P-12E. Source: Wikimedia via San Diego Air and Space Museum http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Capt._C.L_Chennault,_leader_of_The_Flying_Trapeze_poses_in_front_of_a_Boeing_P-12E.jpg
Lt. General Claire L. Chennault Source: National Archives and Records Administration via the Sino-American Aviation Heritage Foundation.
General Chennault and Friends 陈纳德将军和他的朋友们 These two, four-year-old Chinse girls who are being held by Maj. Gen. C. L. Chennault, Commanding General of the U.S. Army 14th Air Force in China, are Tayng Wong (left) and Toong Di. They came along to watch Col. P. Y. Shu, Air Force chief interpreter, present to General Chennault a bundle of Christmas greetings written by Chinese grade school children. Source: National Archives and Records Administration
Chiang Kai Shek received staff officers of the 14th Air Force personally during a visit at the 14th Air Force Headquarters in China and shook hands with each. In his speech, which followed the informal reception, he said, “I wish to thank you all and particularly General Chennault, and to express the hope that when the enemy is defeated in Victory’s final hour we will meet again.” Left to right: Brig. Gen. Albert F. Hegenberger, Chief of Staff, 14th Air Force, Generalissimo Chiang Kai Shek and Maj. Gen. C.L. Chennault. Source: National Archives and Records Administration Link: http://www.fold3.com/image/55672750/
Major General Claire L. Chennault personally conducted a tour of inspection of his Headquarters Unit of the 14th Air Force at an advance air base in China for members of Chinese Aeronautical Affairs Commission. Source: National Archives and Records Administration
Chiang Kai Shek received staff officers of the 14th Air Force personally during a visit at the 14th Air Force Headquarters in China and shook hands with each. In his speech, which followed the informal reception, he said, “I wish to thank you all and particularly General Chennault, and to express the hope that when the enemy is defeated in Victory’s final hour we will meet again.” Left to right: Brig. Gen. Albert F. Hegenberger, Chief of Staff, 14th Air Force, Generalissimo Chiang Kai Shek and Maj. Gen. C.L. Chennault. Source: National Archives and Records Administration Link: http://www.fold3.com/image/55672750/
October 29, 1934 Capt. C.L Chennault, leader of The Flying Trapeze poses in front of a Boeing P-12E. Source: Wikimedia via San Diego Air and Space Museum http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Capt._C.L_Chennault,_leader_of_The_Flying_Trapeze_poses_in_front_of_a_Boeing_P-12E.jpg
General Chennault and Friends 陈纳德将军和他的朋友们 These two, four-year-old Chinse girls who are being held by Maj. Gen. C. L. Chennault, Commanding General of the U.S. Army 14th Air Force in China, are Tayng Wong (left) and Toong Di. They came along to watch Col. P. Y. Shu, Air Force chief interpreter, present to General Chennault a bundle of Christmas greetings written by Chinese grade school children. Source: National Archives and Records Administration
In 1947, Chennault married Chinese journalist Chen Xiangmei, who later became known as Anna Chennault.
Major General Claire L. Chennault,Commanding General of the 14th Air Force, addresses troops at ceremony opening the Ledo Road, Burma. 28 January 1945. Source: National Archives and Records Administration Link: http://www.fold3.com/image/1/52545405/
Major General Claire L. Chennault,Commanding General of the 14th Air Force, addresses troops at ceremony opening the Ledo Road, Burma. 28 January 1945. Source: National Archives and Records Administration Link: http://www.fold3.com/image/1/52545405/
