A Flying Tiger's Diary (Volume 15) (Centennial Series of the Association of Former Students, Texas A&M University)

There's nothing quite like a first-person account written during the time of the action. Once the time has passed, that story can never be fully re-created. This is Charlie Bond's diary, written during his days with the American Volunteer Group / Flying Tigers. He was in the First Squadron (Adam & Eve), so the story is told primarily from that perspective. If you want the full story of the Flying Tigers - all three squadrons - this is not the book. However, this book gives insight and details of the first squadron and its pilots that you are unlikely to find elsewhere. Bond's impressions of Chennault, Boyington, and other personalities are noteworthy. His descriptions of the training, the living conditions, the grumbling and discontent among the men, the P-40, and the combat give you a good feel for what daily life in the AVG was like. It's 222 pages with photos and a couple of maps, and I found it to be a quick read. AVG fans will definitely appreciate it. Those new to the AVG will also enjoy it, but must understand that it only tells about a third of the story! The 2nd (Panda Bears) & 3rd (Hell's Angels) squadron's stories are every bit as good and not to be missed!

I enjoyed the book. My stepfather was in China as a Marine at the US Embassy when the Japanese bombed it in the late 30s. Because Bond kept a detailed diary, it provides great insight. I was in grade school during that time so it is especially nostalgic for me. I ran across an autographed copy of this book with a color photo of General Bond in it at Half-Price books. I bought this copy to preserve the autographed book because the binding was failing and other members of the family want to read it as well. Lots of map sketches and photographs.

Charlie Bond kept a diary of his experiences while flying with the American Volunteer Group, popularly known as the Flying Tigers. This book covers this time in his life, with a brief preamble and a brief postamble. Bond retired from the USAF as a Major General, and had many varied experiences after his tour with the AVG, but this book is 95% Flying Tigers.Claire Chennault, and the AVG, went against the grain. Army Air Corps doctrine was that the bomber will always get through. Chennault thought differently, and showed that doctrine was incorrect during interwar maneuvers, and was allowed to retire for his efforts. He was hired by the Chinese to rebuild the Chinese air force, and was a confidant of Chiang Kai-Chek, and also the very powerful Madame Chiang. He taught his tactics to the AVG pilots, and they set records that were embarrassing to the Army Air Corps hierarchy.Bond explains some of the higher-level activities, but stays mainly with his own experiences as a pilot flying Curtiss P-40's This book really shows the nitty-gritty of life in a war-torn third-world country, and is a must-read for anyone interested in the AVG history, and a should-read for everyone else.

A great book from someone who "been there-done that".

Great book. Hugely interesting. Written as a "narrative" diary. Awesome glimpse into the daily life of a Flying Tiger.

An interesting account of Charles Bond's service in China with the American Volunteer Group.

Great reading.

Very good read!