Even before Pearl Harbor, a group of young American men and women crossed the Pacific to risk their lives defending China. Led by legendary army pilot Claire Chennault, this motley crew was the first group of Americans to take on the Japanese in combat, shooting down hundreds of Japanese aircraft in the skies over Burma, Thailand, and China. At a time when the Allies were being defeated across the globe, the Flying Tigers' exploits gave hope to Americans and Chinese alike. In this thrilling history, Samuel Kleiner profiles Chennault; Greg "Pappy" Boyington, the nation's most beloved pilot until he was shot down and became a POW; nurse Emma Foster; and Madame Chiang Kai-shek herself, who would come to visit these valiant Americans.