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While it's true the Chennault Flying Tigers, the original AVG, were by definition the Flying Tigers, when the unit was absorbed into the 23rd Fighter Group the name continued with recognition due to the AVG's combat record. To this day the USAF, through the 23rd Wing, maintains the heraldry and history of the Flying Tigers. Saying they are NOT the Flying Tigers is incorrect, they are just not the AVG, but their lineage IS traceable to Chennault's first command. The 74th, 75th and 76th squadrons were not original either, but again their lineage, especially the @%#*&! 76th squadron, is visible in the unit's patch. Mine below.
An interesting change of pace, though the video says late 1970s, it must be early 80s due to the aircraft tail numbers. Mostly 76th.
In 1979 I was working at Diamond “K” Supply in Lafayette CA one of my elder customers had a scull and wing tattoo on his fore arm.
I was thinking he was an old biker because that club was the native club around here so I asked him about it and he said while he once rode a Harley he wasn’t a biker.
He was a pilot.
It ashamed me that it took me a while to figure out how really cool this guy was.
RIP pilot.
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