WWII AVG (American Volunteer Group) fighter ace John Richard "Dick" Rossi and other members of the AVG Flying Tigers were invited to attend the Zhijiang Peace and Culture Festival on November 15-16, 2003 which was held in Zhijiang township in Hunan Province, China.
At the newly opened Flying Tigers Museum in Zhijiang, Dick Rossi donated his G-1 jacket, a reproduction of the jacket he wore as a member of the AVG. This jacket, which was custom-made for Dick Rossi by US Wings a number of years ago, is now on display in the Zhijiang museum. The museum once served as the operations center and control tower at the airfield and commemorates the AVG in their defense of China. Zhijiang was the site where Japanese troops surrendered to Chinese and American forces on August 21, 1945.
The following is a letter from Lydia Rossi (wife of Dick Rossi) to David Hack, CEO of US Wings...
Dear Sir,
Dick Rossi, who is the president of the Flying Tigers Association, was the proud wearer of one of your jackets that had been customized for him about ten or more years ago. It had the AVG insignia, the First Pursuit Squadron, his name, a blood chit, etc.
We recently had a wonderful trip through China. The Chinese government has decided that the AVG Flying Tigers represent the best example of friendship between the US and China that has ever existed. They have been giving the Flying Tigers lots of publicity and the members who were on the trip were treated as huge heroes.
 Dick wore his jacket on this trip where it was quite a show stopper. It was photographed extensively (was all over the newspapers) and was quite admired even though we explained that it was a replica - not original.
When we were in the city of Zhijiang we were taken to a museum they have set up in a building which once served as General Chennault's headquarters. While there, Dick was approached by the director of the museum who asked him to donate his jacket to the museum. We were a little shocked at first, but then decided it would be for the best - so they arranged a very nice ceremony, complete with lots of press, and Dick handed over the jacket to the Secretary General of the province. I have sent you three photos.
We would like to replace that jacket. Please tell us if you still make this type and if you still have the information about it, and how much it would cost to have a new one.
Thank you so much,
Lydia Rossi
January 15, 2004
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| Click to enlarge (will open in new window). Photos courtesy of Lydia Rossi. |
Photo #1: Dick Rossi at the opening ceremonies of the Flying Tiger Museum at Zhijiang, estimated to have been attended by nearly 100,000 people.
Photo #2: AVG members Peter Wright, Robert Layher, and Dick Rossi greeting a WWII Chinese Army veteran.
Photo #3: Dick Rossi presents his US Wings G-1 flight jacket which bears his squadron patches and bloodchit to Shi Xixin, president of the Zhijiang Foreign Exchange Association and president of Zhijiang county.
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Dear David
Wow! Thanx! The jacket is beautiful and a perfect fit. I will enjoy showing it off.
It was very nice of you to send the jacket. As soon as Lydia and I get around to it, we will be able to send you some photos of me wearing it.
All the best!
Dick
(April 2004) |
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