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The 14th Air Force exhibit comes alive through the artifacts,
memorabilia and photographs of the thousands of men and women
who served in the China-Burma-India theater during World War II.
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This exhibit features the accomplishments of the American Volunteer
Group, the China Air Task Force, the 23rd Fighter Group, and how
the air and ground support personnel played a vital role in the
success of the unit.
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Located in this exhibit is a P-40 "Warhawk" painted
in the markings of the P-40E flown by Colonel Robert L. Scott,
Jr., commander of the 23rd Fighter Group at Kunming, China in
1942. There are two dioramas, one depicting General Chennault's
quarters and another of a typical Briefing Room, where pilots,
flight leaders and crew members would meet to review each day's
mission.
A brief history . . .
In December 1941, shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor, the American Volunteer Group, led by Claire Lee Chennault, went into action fighting for the Chinese. Shortly thereafter, on July 4, 1942, the group was disbanded and the China Air Task Force was created.
The China Air Task Force was activated at Kunming, China under the 10th Air Force. It consisted of the 23rd Fighter Group with four squadrons and the 11th Bomb Squadron. Brigadier General Claire Chennault commanded the China Air Task Force and Colonel Robert L. Scott commanded the 23rd Fighter Group.
From July 1942 until March 1943, the five China Air Task Force squadrons successfully defended their bases and the eastern end of the India-China air supply route over the Himalayas. The 14th Air Force replaced the China Air Task Force on March 10, 1943, commanded by Major General Chennault.
The Flying Tigers of the small 14th Air Force compiled a record of aerial victories of more than ten to one and played a significant role in the defeat of Japan.
