Famed WWII “Flying Tigers” to Host Reunion in Dallas

Top-Ranking Air Force General to Honor these Pilots and their Families

The Flying Tigers Association will hold its 77th anniversary reunion in Dallas, Texas from October 10 to 14. The last surviving Flying Tiger, ninety-eight year old Frank Losonsky, will attend along with dozens of family members of the men and women who served in the famed unit, known as the “American Volunteer Group” or “The Flying Tigers.”

At a gala dinner, General David L. Goldfein, U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff, will honor the Tigers at the presentation of medals to the families of the ‘Ace’ pilots from the unit. The family of Charles Bond, a Dallas native who served as a pilot in the unit and went on to become a Major General in command of the 12th Air Force in Texas, will be there to accept the award on his behalf. These medals are bronze replicas of the Congressional Gold Medal awarded to the

American Fighter Aces Association in Washington, DC in 2015.

Nationally-acclaimed historian, Sam Kleiner, will be available for interviews regarding his new book, “The Flying Tigers: the Untold Story of the American Pilots Who Waged a Secret War Against Japan.” (Penguin Random House/Viking, 2018). The Wall Street Journal described the book as “brisk and personable” and the Washington Times said it “tells an exciting story of bravery in the skies — and a picture of America at its best at a time of peril. A five-star read.”

Additionally, the public is invited to presentations by family members of the AVG Flying Tigers at the Frontier of Flight Museum at Dallas Love Field on October 12, 2018 from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM. AVG Family members Tripp Alyn and Keith Lee will discuss the history of the AVG Flying Tigers. (Museum entrance fees will apply) The presentation itself will be free with general admission for the public.

For press access to the gala dinner, please contact: Janet Alford, Treasurer of the AVG Flying Tigers Association (jmalford53@gmail.com or (772) 559-4502). Press attending the gala can request a complimentary signed copy of Mr. Kleiner’s book.

Further information on the AVG Flying Tigers: www.flyingtigersavg.com