The Flying Tigers. A group of American volunteers (AVG) trained by Colonel Claire Chenault in China, flew Curtis P-40 Tomohawk fighter planes out of the Mingladon Air Field, close to Rangoon, in defense of Burma against the Japanese invaders, 1942. The band of volunteers flew under the Chinese flag against the might of a well prepared and well equipped Japan. Their distinctive Sharks Teeth motif and Chinese markings became as legendary as their unquestionable bravery. Many of the group were killed in action.