When Tigers Ruled the Sky, Bill Yenne
When Tigers Ruled the Sky, Bill Yenne
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When Tigers Ruled the Sky
The Flying Tigers: American Outlaw Pilots over China in World War II

Author: Bill Yenne

Narrator: Jonathan Yen

Unabridged: 12 hr 3 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Recorded Books

Published: 07/05/2016


Synopsis

From the acclaimed author of Hit the Target and Big Week, an in-depth account of the legendary World War II combat group, the Flying Tigers. In 1940, Pearl Harbor had not yet happened, and America was not yet at war with Japan. But China had been trying to stave off Japanese aggression for three years-and was desperate for aircraft and trained combat pilots. General Chiang Kai-shek sent military aviation advisor Claire Chennault to Washington, where President Roosevelt was sympathetic, but knew he could not intervene overtly. Instead, he quietly helped Chennault put together a group of American volunteer pilots. This was how the 1st American Volunteer Group-more commonly known as the Flying Tigers-was born. With the trademark smiling shark jaws on their P-40 fighters, these Army, Navy and Marine pilots became a sensation as they fought for the Chinese. Those who initially doubted them were eventually in awe as they persevered over Rangoon despite being outnumbered 14-1 by Japanese aircraft; as they were described by Madame Chiang Kai-shek as her "little angels" and by a Chinese foreign minister as "the soundest investment China ever made"; and as they ultimately destroyed hundreds of Japanese planes while losing only a dozen of their own in combat. Two of their veterans would later earn the Medal of Honor-and as a group, the Flying Tigers managed to rack up a better record than any other air wing in the Pacific theater. When Tigers Ruled the Sky is a thrilling and triumphant account of their courage and their legacy.

About Bill Yenne

Bill Yenne is the author of more than three dozen books on historical topics, as well as several novels. He has contributed to encyclopedias of both world wars, and has been featured in several documentaries which have aired on the History Channel, the National Geographic Channel, the Smithsonian Channel and ARD German Television. The Wall Street Journal notes that Yenne writes "with a cinematic vividness."

Yenne has also written extensively about the history of beer and brewing. His Guinness: The 250 Year Quest for the Perfect Pint was listed among the top business books of the year by Conde Nast Portfolio Magazine while the same publication rated the book as its top pick for "Cocktail Conversation."

Yenne's novels have included the Bladen Cole Westerns; an alternate history about General George Patton entitled A Damned Fine War, and the Raptor Force trilogy, an action-adventure series.

Yenne lives in San Francisco, California.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Elizabeth on June 16, 2017

In 1940, Pearl Harbor had not yet happened, and America was not yet at war with Japan. But China had been trying to stave off Japanese aggression for three years—and was desperate for aircraft and trained combat pilots. General Chiang Kai-shek sent military aviation advisor Claire Chennault to Wa......more

Goodreads review by David on October 13, 2016

Concise history of the AVG with summaries of the later lives of Claire Chennault (founder of Civil Air Transport, aka Air America), Bissell, Stillwell, etc.......more

Goodreads review by Joseph on October 08, 2020

"This was the beginning of the greatest adventure I would ever hope to experience. It wasn't until years later that I fully realized the magnitude and significance of this first step, to be a lifelong adventure in the mystic Far East." Erik Shilling When Tigers Ruled the Sky: The Flying Tigers: Americ......more

Goodreads review by Chad on January 19, 2024

When it comes to World War II history, there are countless tales of bravery, heroism, and unexpected alliances. But few stories are as captivating as the one told in this one. From the moment you dive into this thrilling read, you are transported to the chaos and danger of war-ravaged China. Yenne m......more

Goodreads review by Phil on August 05, 2022

My Father was in the Army stationed in England during WW2, so I didn't hear much about China from him! There is so much that has been overlooked about that theatre of operations. Honestly, when I picked this book, I had no idea that the first eighty pages were going to be a history lesson that I did......more