Special Event: Flying Tigers

Open to the public, Planes of Fame Air Museum (Chino, CA) presents a special event on June 18, 2016 about the famed “Flying Tigers”. A speaker panel of distinguished aviation experts, historians and veterans is featured, followed by a question & answer period. The Curtiss P-40 Warhawk will be on display. Charlene Fontaine will be our presenter on this day.
In December, 1941, planes with painted shark’s teeth roared over Chinese skies. Their mission was to free China from Japanese invaders. These planes were flown by the American Volunteer Group (AVG) lead by Major Claire Chennault. This group would forever be known as “The Flying Tigers.” Many stories have been told about the planes and the men who flew and worked on them. We will look at the evolution of the Flying Tigers and their adventures from China, 1941 to today with the current Flying Tigers. We will be blessed to have three Flying Tigers of the 14th Army Air Corp sharing their stories. Join us to honor and celebrate these amazing men!
We are proud to welcome Flying Tiger Bud Heiner who was with the 14th Army Air Corps, Mel McMullen who was a turret gunner/asst. engineer in the 14th Army Air Corps and logged 200 hours in air combat missions. Also present will be 1st Lietenant David K. Hayward who flew 53 combat missions in a B-25 and received the Air Medal and Distinguished Flying Cross. This event will be moderated by Charlene Fontaine She has been Executive Director of the Flying Tigers 69th DRS Association, Inc. since 2005. Her father, Stewart Fontaine was a Staff Sargent in the 69th DRS in Kunming. She does extensive research with Flying Tigers and their families from many squadrons, travels to China and U.S. Air Force Bases, and speaks at educational institutions, military and civic organizations to ensure the history of these esteemed men will be told.