Tex Hill: Flying Tiger

by David Lee Hill

2003 new copy, hard bound in dust jacket, 6x9, 318 pages, numerous illustrations & maps, bibliography, index. dust jacket color art work by John Shaw. Born the son of missionary parents in Korea, David "Tex" Hill has become one of America's most famous and beloved fighter aces. "Tex" Flying Tiger recounts his intriguing early life, standout career, and non-stop adventures of all kinds. Tex's story is inescapably intertwined with those of Claire Chennault, the famed 'Flying Tigers', and the nation of China, and this book weaves all three fascinating storylines into a masterful tapestry, certain to entertain and educate. Tex and his grandson relate Hill's exploits through his naval aviation days and on to the Far East, where a motley collection of maverick airmen and ground crew-the American Volunteer Group---changed the face of the war in China and Burma through unparalleled valor. The story then moves to Tex's command of America's first jet equipped fighter squadron and the creation of the Texas Air National Guard. The authors include a hardhitting assessment of the failures and missed opportunities that changed China's stance toward America and the West just a few short years after their wartime alliance. Finally Tex's forays into the realms of Hollywood filmmaking, African biggame hunting, mineral mining in Mexico, and operating oil interests in south Texas round out the tale, providing an insightful look into the life of one of World War II's premier flying legends.

318 pages, Hardcover

First published August 30, 2003

Reviews

[Gísli Gíslason · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fine book and a life well lived.

This is a good autobiography about a remarkable man and his accomplishments. The parts about his life before and after the war are no less interesting that the war years.

If you are interested in the Flying Tigers, I recommend you start with Flying Tigers by Daniel Ford which is a 5 star book. But this one does a good job telling the story of one of their greatest pilots.

[Austin Reed · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tex Hill: The Flying Tiger is a compelling and accessible account of a true American hero whose story deserves far more recognition. The book captures Tex Hill’s extraordinary journey as a fighter pilot with the legendary Flying Tigers during World War II, blending firsthand recollection with historical context to bring the air war over China vividly to life. What makes the narrative especially strong is its humility, Hill’s courage, leadership, and skill are presented not as mythmaking, but as the lived experience of a young American answering a dangerous call far from home. The result is a respectful, engaging tribute to a largely overlooked figure, and a reminder that many of the war’s most impactful heroes remain unfamiliar to the public despite their lasting contributions to history.

[Vince · Rating 5 out of 5]

Signed by Tex Hill at Oshkosh 2006. Great story about a legend.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a clear and I believe accurate account of the life and adventures of Tex Hill this is. Real without the bravado and the "heroics" of so many war time books. Yes Tex and the Flying Tigers were heroes. The win, loose and fall back of a army air corps trying to stop and overpowering massive force is described. This is one of the best book I have read. It is extremely well written and presented.