91-year-old Long Qiming, last living pilot from the "Flying Tigers" squadron in World War Two, has been admitted to hospital in Chongqing and is described as "critically ill."
The American Volunteer Group, better known by their "Flying Tigers" moniker, were a group of US pilots headed by Claire Chennault who fought as part of the Chinese Air Force from 1941, defending the country against Japanese aggression at a time when native-born pilots were outnumbered and outclassed by the invading forces.
Long Qiming during the war years
The Flying Tigers in action
Hong Kong-born Long was hospitalized in mid-September with several lung infection and required intensive care; however, his standard state pension of just RMB5,300 a month cannot cover his hospital fees of RMB3,500 a day. Already, his family owes over RMB80,000 in hospital fees.
As a result, Long's family have resorted to online fundraising, and have been met with a tide of support. Donations have been rolling in from around from the country, from observers who have not only expressed their gratitude for Long's service to the country but have also expressed their disbelief at the government's ingratitude.
Concerned citizen comes to give Long's family RMB2,000
Long put his life on the line to defend his country, but doing so shoulder-to-shoulder with Nationalists and Americans has meant that his achievements have gone unrewarded by the Communist rulers of post-1949 China. After forced retirement at the time of the Korean War, Long was ordered to work in the steel industry in Chongqing, where he labored for the rest of his life.
READ: Soldiers of Misfortune: The KMT veterans on the wrong side of history
0 User Comments