During World War II, in the skies over Rangoon, Burma, a handful of American pilots met and bloodied the “Imperial Wild Eagles” of Japan and in turn won immortality as the Flying Tigers. One of America’s most famous combat forces, the Tigers were recruited to defend beleaguered China for $600 a month and a bounty of $500 for each Japanese plane they shot down—fantastic money in an era when a Manhattan hotel room cost three dollars a night.

To bring his prize-winning history of the American Volunteer Group up to date, Daniel Ford has completely rewritten his 1991 text, drawing on the most recent U.S., British, and Japanese scholarship. New material from AVG veterans—including Erik Shilling and Tex Hill—help fill out the story, along with newfound recollections from Japanese and New Zealand airmen. This is a pivotal work in understanding and appreciating the enduring legacy of Claire Chennault and his Flying Tigers.