A great accomplishment can only be achieved by a great man. The smoke of World War II, and Japan's invasion of China, has long ago dissipated, but many heroic stories remain. In the 1930's Japan's military was strong, and China was no rival. But, the god of luck seemed to sympathize with China, sending a foreigner, who had nothing to do with China - a retired American fighter pilot named Claire Lee Chennault. Chennault's time in the military was marked by difficulty, including chronic health issues, such as partial deafness caused by prolonged exposure to the noise of plane engines. Chennault loved flying. In the early 20th-century, when bomber theory was mainstream, Chennault followed his own unique insights and advocated pursuit aircraft. Sadly, his innovative thinking was ignored. Soong Mei Ling, wife of Chiang Kai-shek, China's supreme commander at the time, sent an invitation letter to the retired Chennault. This letter changed both Chennault's and China's destiny. This album of paintings is a tribute, dedicated to General Claire Lee Chennault, Flying Tigers, and all those who were willing to shed their blood and lay down their lives. It is because of their sacrifices and contributions; we may breathe in the air of democracy and freedom today.
