Only problem while they had the Mao Communist on the run and cornered
the USA dropped support for Chiang. Russians gave Mao the old Japanes
cash of weapons
captured in Manchuria. Chiang got pushed out.
General Chennault in 1949 developed a plan to counter attack China with F84's. Another Clandestine China Air Task Airforce, post Flying Tigers. The CIA liked the idea but did not implement the plan. The CIA reformed the group and today it is called Air America. Infact several CBI Hump and Fighter pilots flew missions for the French and USA in Vietnam. Then there is Nicaragua and el Salvador and Chili and Panama and Columbia and Iran and .. and....
So Air America humble beginnings was the Flying Tigers.
Dan Fahey
Jhk789@aol.com wrote:
In a message dated 1/29/2002 10:46:11 AM Pacific Standard Time, DanFahey@DanSources.com writes:
General Chiang offered Rhee help in 1949?
Wow. what happened? What was the USA doing at this time.It was not just an offer. A better word would be that they
conspired together on how to start a counter-offensive and roll back
communism in East Asia. Rhee wanted to attack the North
and Chiang wanted to invade mainland China through Korea.
So Chiang was willing to send his troops and Air Force to
S.Korea for the general attack. Apparently their plan did
not go anywhere due to the opposition of Muccio & other
State Dept. officials who did not want to start a WW III.
However, it appears MAC was supportive of Rhee-Chiang's
plan. This difference in anti-communist strategy continued on
until MAC was finally fired by Truman in 1951.Does anyone know how strong Chiang's Air Force in 8/1949?
John2