Los Angeles Chinese communities commemorate legacy of Lt. Gen. Claire Lee Chennault

San Gabriel, CA (December 19, 2023) – An event to commemorate the 130th anniversary of the birth of Flying Tiger Lt. Gen. Claire Lee Chennault participation in China’s war of resistance against Japanese aggression was held at the City of San Gabriel on Dec. 18.

From Left: Jane Yu, Guo Shaochun, Mme Wang Wei, Charlie Xu.  Photo by: Richard Ren/LAPost

The event was hosted by the American Flying Tigers Communication Association. About 300 attendees from local Chinese communities. gathered for the commemoration, including Guo Shaochun,  Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Los Angeles, representative Judy Chu (D-CA 28th District), California state assemblymember Mike Fong. Other guest of honor at the event was Chennault’s granddaughter Nell Calloway. California Treasurer Fiona Ma flew to Los Angeles with her father this morning to attend the event in memory of Chennault. 

Guo Shaochun, Chinese Consul General in Los Angeles, said in his speech that the story of General Chennault and the Flying Tigers is a glorious history of mutual respect between the people of China and the United States and joint defense of justice and peace, and it is still of inspiration to the present and future. The profound friendship forged between the two peoples during the war should be inherited and carried forward. It is hoped that the two countries will work together to promote the development of bilateral relations and make greater contributions to deepening bilateral relations and promoting world peace and prosperity.

Flying Tigers veteran Melvin McMullen   Photo by: Richard Ren/LAPost

Flying Tigers veteran Melvin McMullen, 98, once fought against Japanese aggression in Kunming and Chengdu, Sichuan province, paid tribute to General Claire Lee Chennault during the event. 

McMullen recounted how Chinese farmers saved the lives of downed American pilots, hiding them by day and moving them from village to village by night, despite the risk of severe punishment by the Japanese.

He said he had more than once personally witnessed and heard the stories of Chinese people risking their lives to help and rescue Flying Tigers members, and through fighting side by side, the two sides forged a profound friendship.

According to him, the Flying Tigers veterans have always cherished this friendship, and he wants to share this history to help more people understand the spiritual wealth that transcends time and space between the two nations.

Chennault’s granddaughter Nell Calloway  Photo by: Richard Ren/LAPost

Over two months ago, Chinese President Xi Jinping replied to a letter from Greene, Moyer and McMullen, which greatly inspired them.

Photo by: Richard Ren/LAPost

“This year, Chinese President Xi Jinping repeatedly mentioned the enduring ‘Flying Tiger Romance’ between China and the United States during World War II. At the San Francisco Apec Conference, President Xi specifically mentioned that General Chennault led the American volunteers to the Chinese battlefield and formed the famous Flying Tigers. “They not only directly fought against the Japanese invaders, but also established a hump route to transport urgently needed supplies to China. More than 1,000 Chinese and American crew members died on this route. General Chennault came to China in May 1937 and left in August 1945. He dedicated the best eight years of his life to the cause of China’s Anti-Japanese War and made outstanding contributions to the victory of China’s Anti-Japanese War” Jane Yu, Chairwoman of the American Flying Tigers Communications Association said in her speech. 

In 1941, a large group of American young pilots, led by Chennault, established the AVG, also known as the Flying Tigers. They came to China and fought side by side with the Chinese people to resist Japanese fascist aggression. In 1943, the Flying Tigers were incorporated into the U.S. 14th Air Force. During the war, over 2,000 Flying Tigers airmen gave their precious lives. Over the past 80 years, the bond forged between the Flying Tigers and the Chinese people in the flames of war has been passed down from generation to generation, remaining evergreen. (By: Richard Ren)