WWII FIGHTER ACES WHO SERVED IN THE AVG FLYING TIGERS
What is an Ace? “U.S. citizens who have served honorably as fighter pilots in a U.S. military service or the service of a nation not at war with the United States (or others who flew as a member of a U.S. military service), who have destroyed five (5) or more enemy aircraft in aerial combat during the several wars and conflicts since the advent of fighter aircraft.” (AFAA Constitution, Article III)
How does this affect the AVG Flying Tiger pilots? Since the AVG was paid $500 by the Chinese government for every Japanese aircraft destroyed in the air and on the ground, the AVG totals for enemy aircraft destroyed will generally be higher than the number officially recognized by the AFAA (aerial only). Note: the AFAA does recognize the records of the AVG during WWII. However, the U.S. Air Force official victory credits does not.
Our List of Aces (27): is shown in two segments—those pilots who achieved Ace status (5 aerial victories) based upon their AVG record (20 pilots), and those who served in the AVG and who achieved Ace status after the disbandment of the AVG on July 4, 1942 based upon their AVG record AND their later record with either the USAAF, USN or USMC (7 pilots):
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1. Aces during AVG service (20): |
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Flt. Ldr. Percy R. Bartelt, 2nd Sqdn |
5 |
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Flt. Ldr. William E. Bartling, 1st Sqdn |
5 |
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Vice-Sqdn. Ldr. Charles R. Bond, Jr., 1st Sqdn |
7 |
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Flt. Ldr. George T. Burgard, 1st Sqdn |
10 |
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Flt. Ldr. Robert P. Hedman, 3rd Sqdn |
6 |
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Sqdn Ldr. David L. Hill, 2nd Sqdn, 75/23 USAAF |
12.75 + 6 USAAF |
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Flt. Ldr. Kenneth A. Jernstedt, 3rd Sqdn |
5 |
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Flt. Ldr. Frank L. Lawlor, 2nd Sqdn, VBF-9 USN |
7 + 2 USN |
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Flt. Ldr. Robert L. Little, 1st Sqdn |
10 |
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Wing Man, William D. McGarry, 1st Sqdn |
8 |
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Sqdn Ldr. Robert H. Neale, 1st Sqdn |
13 |
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Sqdn Ldr. John V.K. Newkirk, 2nd Sqdn |
7 |
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Flt. Ldr. Charles H. Older, 3rd Sqdn, 76/23 USAAF |
10 + 8 USAAF |
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Wing Man Edmund F. Overend, 3rd Sqdn, VMF-321 USMC |
5 + 3 USMC |
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Wing Man Robert W. Prescott, 1st Sqdn |
5.5 |
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Flt. Ldr. Camille J. Rosbert, 1st Sqdn |
6 |
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Wing Man John R. Rossi, 1st Sqdn |
6 |
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Sqdn Ldr. Robert J. Sandell, 1st Sqdn |
5 |
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Flt. Ldr. Robert H. Smith, 1st Sqdn |
5 |
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Flt. Ldr. Robert T. Smith, 3rd Sqdn |
9 |
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2. AVG Pilots achieving Ace status after AVG service (7): |
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Flt. Ldr. Gregory Boyington, 1st Sqdn, VMF-214 USMC |
2 AVG + 22 USMC |
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Flt. Ldr. John G. Bright, 2nd Sqdn, 75/23, 37/14 USAAF |
3 AVG + 3 USAAF |
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Vice-Sqdn Ldr. James H. Howard, 2nd Sqdn, 356/354 |
2.33 AVG + 6 USAAF |
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Flt. Ldr. George B. McMillan, 3rd Sqdn, 449/51 USAAF |
4.5 AVG + 4 USAAF |
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Vice-Sqdn Ldr. Edward F. Rector, 2nd Sqdn,76/23USAAF |
4.75 AVG + 3 USAAF |
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Flt. Ldr. William N. Reed, 3rd Sqdn, 7/3 CACW |
3 AVG + 6 USAAF |
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Flt. Ldr. Fritz E. Wolf, 1st Sqdn, VBF-3 USN |
4 AVG + 1 USN |
Compiled by:
Col. Ward Boyce, USAF (Ret.) (AFAA) & Tripp Alyn (AVG Historian)