Flying Tigers Reunite at Fantasy of Flight

Polk City, FL., April 1, 2004 - Fantasy of Flight will host a reunion of the legendary "Flying Tigers" WWII American Volunteer Group, in a celebration of the American fighting spirit on Friday, April 16, 2004 from 2-4:30pm.

The American Volunteer Group (AVG) were a group of secretly trained American mercenary pilots and the first to see combat in WWII. During the months before the attack on Pearl Harbor, President Franklin Roosevelt recruited the American Volunteer Group to help defend China against the aggression of the Japanese Army. The Chinese called them Fei Hu for the shark's teeth painted on their planes. America knew them as the Flying Tigers.

This brave band of 300 men and women traveled to China disguised as missionaries, planters, and circus performers as part of FDR's effort to keep China from falling into the hands of the Japanese without provoking war with Japan. Alone in a foreign land, the Flying Tigers' pilots were issued silk “Blood Chits” to sew on to the back of their flight jackets by the Chinese government. In case they were injured in combat the “Chits” identified the bearer as a friend of the Chinese. They asked the Chinese people to protect and help downed flyers, which they did with enthusiasm.

Against all odds, the Flying Tigers piloted their less formidable P-40 Warhawk with unparalleled success against the superior Japanese Zero. Their heroic exploits captured the attention of the world.

Moderated by PBS documentary writer Frank Boring, Fantasy of Flight will share the stories of these living legends with the public during an hour presentation beginning at 2pm on Friday, April 16, 2004. Following the presentation, AVG pilots and crew will take audience questions, sign books and give autographs.

The presentation will include the unveiling of Fantasy of Flight's TP-40N Warhawk as founder Kermit Weeks takes the Flying Tigers for a ride in the last remaining factory built TP-40N left in existence today.

One of the nation’s premier aviation attractions, Fantasy of Flight encompasses 300 acres in Polk City for the display of vintage aircraft portraying the golden eras of aviation from the 1920s and World War II era. Fantasy of Flight is home to the “World’s Greatest Aircraft Collection” featuring over 70 beautifully restored rare and vintage aircraft, Corsair flight simulators, daily restoration shop & back-lot tours, aircraft of the day flights, sight and sound multi-sensory immersion experiences, a gift shop and the art deco “Compass Rose Diner” open daily for lunch, and snacks. Fantasy of Flight is open daily from 9am-5pm. (except Christmas and Thanksgiving) and is located midway between Tampa and Orlando off I-4 exit #44.

Contact:
Sarah Wilson
Fantasy of Flight
Phone (863) 984-3500 ext. 242
Fax (863) 984- 9506