Two items: first, a war-dated ALS from commander Claire Chennault, signed “Claire,” one page, 7.5 x 9.75, September 5, 1942. Letter to General Clayton Bissell. In part: “When Gen. Brereton visited China in the later part of June, together with Gen. Wheeler, I was told that there would be an initial shipment of supplies to cover the needs of the new 23d Group. In the matter of uniform clothing, for instance…assorted sizes were to be shipped in…The initial issue has never been received and many of my men in the China Air Task Force are still without proper clothing, insignia, chevrons, etc. We have units of the Air Service Command and SOS here but they seem unable to get the required supplies. I am, therefore, addressing this matter to you in hope that you will issue such orders.” The second item is a Flying Tigers blood chit, 10 x 13, signed in black ink and felt tip by 14 members of the unit, including Tex Hill, Dick Rossi, Peter Wright, Ken Jernstedt, Joe Rosbert, Leo Schramm, Frank Losonsky, and Rich Richardson. Both are matted and framed together to an overall size of 17 x 32. In fine condition, with a uniform shade of light toning to letter. The China Air Task Force was an American combat organization created in July of 1942 under the command of Chennault, after the Flying Tigers were disbanded earlier that month. Though it was active for less than one year, the Task Force flew 65 bombing missions against Japanese targets in China, Burma, and Indochina, dropping over 300 tons of bombs and losing only one bomber. Oversized. RR Auction COA.
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