© Flying Tiger Historical Organization. Optimized for a screen resolution of 1024x768, using IE7+
501 (c) 3 OrganizationTax ID 26-1492466
The Flying Tigers Historical Organization In The Media (Local & International):.
Mukden incident commemorated at San Francisco China Consulate
Two American WW II participants honored
The Mukden Incident, also known as the Manchurian Incident, was a staged event engineered by Japanese military personnel as a pretext for invading the northern part of China, known as Manchuria, in 1931.
On September 18, 1931 a small quantity of dynamite was detonated close to a railroad owned by Japan’s South Manchurian Railway near Mukden. Although the explosion was so weak that it failed to destroy the lines and a train passed minutes later, the Imperial Japanese Army, accusing Chinese dissidents of the act, responded with a full invasion that led to the occupation of Manchuria, in which Japan established its puppet state of Manchukuo six months later. The ruse was soon exposed to the international community, leading Japan to diplomatic isolation and its withdrawal from the League of Nations.
This event in China is considered the beginning of the war with Japan.
In commemorating the event members of the Flying Tiger Historical Organization Board were asked to bring Americans who helped to defeat the Japanese Imperial forces in China, to the Chinese consulate in San Francisco on September 15, 2011. We were able to contact two gentlemen who fought against the Japanese, Captain Moon Fun Chin and Captain Bill Behrns. They meet privately with Consul General Gao before being recognized and honored with entertainment, speeches and a banquette.
Captain Moon Fun Chin flew in China, Burma, India in the early 1930’s. He helped lay out the famous Hump route across the Himalaya Mountains which allowed China to receive much needed material and supplies for her war efforts against the Japanese. Captain Moon Fun Chin’s contribution was so great to the war effort that he later was awarded American military status, by Congressional action, for the period 1941 thru 1945, having never served in the military.
Captain Bill Behrns flew P-38 Lightning’s out of Burma, shooting down five Japanese zero’s and destroying several more on the ground. He has published a riveting account of his hair raising adventures flying the P-38 Lightning titled “The San Joaquin Siren”. It is a must read for all WWII enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Copies can be obtained by contacting Amethyst Moon Publishing, PO Box 87885, Tucson, AZ 85754. ampubbooks@gmail.com.
The Consular event was attended by Flying Tiger Historical Organization board members Major General James Whitehead, Chairman, Larry Jobe, President and KC Ma, board member and China liaison.
Consul General Gao listens intently to Bill Behrns describing his adventures in WWII. Captain Moon Fun Chin on left and Captain Bill Behrns on right.
From left to right: Larry Jobe; Consul General Gao; Captain Moon Fun Chin; Captain Bill Behrns; Major General James Whitehead.
Consul General Gao addressing the assembled guest and audience.
Captain’s Bill Behrns and Moon Fun Chin addressing the assembly.
Consul General Gao and entire San Francisco Consulate staff sing a song in praise of the actions of American servicemen in China in WWII.
This woman was a young girl in China during the rape of Nanking and she vividly recalled the cruelty of the Japanese towards the Chinese. Although her speech was entirely in Cantonese this author, not speaking or understanding Chinese, could feel the emotion and passion in her after 65+ years.
The Chinese have not forgotten the sacrifices which were made by young American men and women to help them defend themselves from a brutal Japanese enemy. They show their appreciation openly and often. The Flying Tiger Heritage Park in Guilin, China will be another monument honoring the courage and valor of both the Americans and Chinese during those dark and trying times. For more information on this project and ways you can help please visit our web site www.FlyingTigerHistoricalOrganization.com.
[ previous page ]
