Though the first combat mission flown by the AVG was the famous bomber intercept mission over Kunming, China on December 20, 1941 it should be known that Erik Shilling flew a combat reconassaince mission on Dec. 10, 1941. His photo P-40B (P-8153) was escorted by Ed Rector & Bert Christman, both Panda Bears of the 2nd Pursuit Squadron, commanded by "Scarsdale Jack" Newkirk. Shilling was temporarily assigned to the 2nd Squadron, but later was re-assigned to the 3rd Sqdn under Arvid "Oli" Olson.
This 850-mile (roundtrip) mission was to Bangkok, Thailand to photograph the Japanese aircraft assembled at Dong Moung airport. Shilling was told by Chennault to avoid combat, if possible, due to the priority of returning those films! The mission was a success and was well organized as they refueled first at the RAF airfield at Tavoy. A mere 20 minutes after they took off from this field it was bombed and strafed by the Japanese with loss of RAF lives. The films revealed 92 a/c parked wingtip to wingtip. No doubt there were additional a/c in hangars and at nearby airfields. Chennault now had a better idea of the large Japanese air armada which the AVG would be facing as it defended Burma.
Tripp Alyn, chair
Historical & Museums Committee
Flying Tigers Association
