Rise From Eight Hundred

Because the Burma Road had not been cut off by the Japanese army at that time, the planes did not have to fly over the Hump Route, which was once extremely difficult.

In addition, the three C-47s responsible for transporting equipment and personnel had a very long flight range. The three transport planes did not need to pass through Kuncheng Airport at all, but flew directly to Myanmar, refueled, and then flew to the eastern part of India.

Receiving fighter planes and 40mm anti-aircraft guns that had been shipped by sea at the small airport in India was much smoother than expected.

This time, no one made things difficult for Chinese pilots because of their contempt for them. Tang Dao asked and found out that it was not just General Stilwell who was accompanying him who would take a special plane from here to the Philippines to exercise his position as Chief of Staff of the Far East Command, but that the Chinese company in the United States had offered a nearly sky-high transportation fee for the smooth delivery of this batch of equipment to the country.

The three C-47 transport planes that were responsible for transporting 40mm anti-aircraft guns from the air corridor alone had a daily rental fee of 3,000 US dollars per plane, with a daily subsidy of 200 US dollars for each pilot and 100 US dollars for each ground crew member.

That also means that the three C-47 planes and crew members stayed in China for a month, and the funding provided to the US Navy was as high as 270,000 US dollars, and the pilots could earn thousands of US dollars each for this field trip.

You should know that in the United States at that time, the basic salary of a recruit was only 50 US dollars, plus various other subsidies, it was only 100 US dollars. The salary of a lieutenant pilot like Scott would never exceed 300 US dollars.

After only one week of field work, they can earn half a year's salary. That Chinese company is definitely the God of Wealth!

In any era, some people may disdain money, but more people are eager for money, especially when the money reaches a certain level, then the body is simply radiating a golden light that makes people look up to it.

And this is only on the surface. I don't know how much was given to the senior naval officers in charge of transportation in secret. The arrogant Americans were also bowed by the money.

Not only did they happily deliver all 100 fighters to China, but they also readily agreed when Tang Dao proposed to conduct adaptive training for the fighters at the airport, which required instructors and sufficient aviation fuel.

Of course, Lieutenant Scott, who came with the team, also played a role here. Chinese pilots used 6 planes to 4 planes over Yiling and killed 3 Japanese planes neatly. The flying skills and tactical execution they showed were amazing.

It's not that the Japanese don't want to fly. The speed of the Japanese planes in the air and the turning radius that was so small that Lieutenant Scott was panicked have made Lieutenant Scott realize that even if he was in the sky, he couldn't do better than the Chinese pilots.

Even if he knew nothing about his opponent, he would fail.

Three C-47 fighters flew back and forth on the long route from Shancheng to Asanguo Airport for nearly seven round trips, and it took a full 10 days to transport the remaining 170 40mm anti-aircraft guns back to Shancheng.

That was the first time that the Chinese army had such treatment. The equipment was transported by large transport aircraft instead of by land. The waiting time was extremely long and the risk was extremely high.

They didn't know that in order for these 200 anti-aircraft guns to be successfully transported to the country, the company founded by Tang Dao paid nearly 600,000 US dollars in various expenses, and could buy 20 Wildcat fighters.

10 days was enough for more than 100 Chinese pilots who arrived at the airport to become familiar with the various performances of Wildcat fighters.

That small airport may have never been so busy. Almost from 7 a.m. to the sun setting over the horizon, fighters took off and landed non-stop.

More than 100 Chinese pilots, led by the majors and captains of four aviation squadrons, were eager to familiarize themselves with the performance of the new fighter they were controlling, and constantly practiced the "scissors" tactics that had appeared over Yiling.

"These will be the 10 days when you are most likely to be familiar with the performance of the Wildcat fighter. When you return to China, I'm afraid that a fierce battle is waiting for you!

A few days ago, the Japanese suffered a great loss in the Battle of Yiling. The Japanese Navy must have been madly mocked by the Army. If the Japanese Navy wants to regain the lost face, it will definitely take the initiative to launch a major operation.

Intelligence shows that the Japanese Navy is constantly sending Zero fighters from aircraft carriers off the coast of Songhu to Jianghan.

What kind of action requires dozens of Zero fighters to escort? You should know that relying solely on anti-aircraft artillery groups on the ground is probably not enough to ensure the safety of millions of soldiers and civilians in the mountain city." Tang Dao put the fierce battle that these Chinese pilots will face in front of them on the plane flying to Asan.

Faced with huge pressure, Chinese pilots chose to face it by racing against time. In addition to 7 hours of sleep to ensure physical strength and concentration, they were either on the plane or practicing tactics in the tactical classroom.

"This is a group of people who are facing death but trying to break through death. Such people are everywhere in China!" Lieutenant Scott was shocked by this group of foreign pilots again.

"Tang, do you know? I just did something crazy. If my mother Maria knew, she would definitely pick up her mop and chase me in the garden." At the end of the 10th day of adaptive training, Lieutenant Scott found Tang Dao, who had already started packing and was ready to leave for home tomorrow morning.

"Is it possible that Lieutenant Scott fell in love with a brown-skinned girl? Then I have to congratulate you. Mixed-race children are always smart and beautiful. If you give birth to a daughter and I give birth to a son, we can have a baby and kiss or something. , But this requires my wife’s consent first.” Tang Dao looked at Lieutenant Scott, whose eyes were still full of tangles, and grinned.

Before leaving, he specially sent a telegram to Tantai Mingyue, explaining that he had violated his promise of "returning in March". He could not watch thousands of people in mountain towns mourning under the bombs dropped by Japanese bombers.

But Tang Dao was still filled with guilt. His wife's due date was at the end of August, but he, as a husband, could not stay with her. Even though his father-in-law was with him and the best doctor in Jin Province was guarding him, he could not stay with her. There was no way he could make up for the regret caused by his absence as a husband and father at such an important moment.

"Everything is fine with me. You must be careful outside! Little Tang won't blame you!" Tantai Mingyue's reply message was simple, but it allowed Tang Dao to travel nearly 3,000 kilometers away with peace of mind.

Although Lieutenant Scott once made things difficult for the Chinese side, Tang Dao admired this American pilot very much. The trip to receive the equipment was so smooth. At least half of the credit must be attributed to him, and I heard that this guy's family background is actually very good. , is a typical American elite family. It would be convenient to find an American father-in-law like this for Tang Shanhe. If he wants to study in the United States in the future, it will be convenient.

Even though China and the United States would like to stab each other alive 10 years later, the relationship between countries is really delicate. Because of the common threat of the furry bear, the two countries that once fought to the death have no relationship. It didn't take long for the whole world to be caught off guard and start a honeymoon.

"NO, NO! Maria is very open-minded in this regard. She does not interfere in my love and marriage. However, she will definitely get angry because a naval pilot no longer wants to serve his country." Kurt shook his head repeatedly.

"What do you mean?" Tang Dao couldn't help but be stunned.

"I submitted my retirement application to my immediate superior, Lieutenant Colonel Lewis, half an hour ago, and that's it!" Scott saw Tang Dao's surprised expression, a smile on his face, shrugged and spread his hands.

"Why? Could it be Lieutenant Scott, do you feel that the war is coming?" Tang Dao couldn't help but frown.

"Of course not, but I hope to join the war early, such as participating in the battlefield in China." Scott's eyes flashed with determination that was completely opposite to his indifferent expression.

"Lieutenant Scott, you must be crazy." Tang Dao was also shocked by this crazy American pilot.

If we follow the script of the past time and space, Major Robert Scott did not join the Flying Tigers until the spring of 1942, and eventually became the captain of the 23rd Flying Tigers Group. This was a full year and a half early.

"I'm not crazy, but your comrades are really crazy, you know? They actually flew an average of 60 hours each in 10 days. God! That's 2 months of training for our aviation team. Duration!" When talking about this data, Lieutenant Scott's brown pupils were full of admiration.

"Lieutenant, you know, if they don't go crazy now, they may not even have the chance to go crazy in the future.

Before them, 80% of the pilots who had graduated from China's Jianqiao Aviation School had been killed in battle. Before the war, the battle fatality rate of all flight group captains and squadron leaders was 95%.

Our air force is very weak, but they never hesitate to make sacrifices. What does the current intensity of training mean to sacrifice? "Tang Dao couldn't help but take out a cigarette, lit one, took a deep breath and exhaled a puff of blue smoke.

Lieutenant Scott does not smoke. According to his explanation, he does not want to use tobacco and alcohol to numb his brain nerves. Fighting in the sky, even 01 second faster than the opponent's reaction, may determine whether he can win or not.

"Can you give me one? I've been crazy today, and I don't care if I indulge again!" Lieutenant Scott, uncharacteristically, asked Tang Dao for one.

"Can I ask why you made this decision?" Tang Dao was always curious.

Humanism in the eyes of Westerners is slightly different from that of Easterners. Naturally, Tang Dao would not expect a group of diligent Chinese pilots to impress the Western elite pilot in front of him.

"When I was transferring at Kuncheng Airport earlier, I met Captain Chennault who came specially to greet us. He said that he needed volunteers to come to China to fight for the Chinese. I scoffed at how such a poor and backward country and people should let us go. Are we fighting for them because of the high salary of $800? Then I might as well go home and make my mother Maria happy, and maybe she can buy me a villa on the beach in Miami." Lieutenant Scott. Light the cigarette, but don't put it in your mouth, but stare at the faint smoke.

"But later, during my stay in China, I witnessed the war and these poor people with my own eyes. I found that my previous understanding of China was not only one-sided but even ridiculous.

Frankly speaking, China is very backward. Compared with my country, the industrial level is at least fifty years behind.

But you Chinese people have amazing courage. Tang, you and soldiers like Shen, Zhang, and Zheng all disdained your precious lives. Don, you know what? When I saw Shen flying the fighter plane that was almost turned into scrap metal by bullets back to the airport, it was really hard for me to understand why there are people in this world who think that airplanes are more precious than life! My outlook on life completely collapsed at that moment.

Because it is difficult to understand, I decided to stay here and take a look in person to see why you Chinese are like this.

Don, don’t you know? When I was at West Point, in addition to my major in aviation, I also took philosophy and sociology as electives! "

I go! Tang Dao stared at the American uncle in front of him who looked extremely rough with a beard. He really didn't expect that this guy was actually a top student.

"If you are just curious, then I can definitely answer your question, Lieutenant Scott. Lieutenant Scott, there is no need to risk your life. In the sky, the Japanese do not care what nationality you are, and your government may also It is possible that the Japanese put pressure on me because of the presence of Mr. Chennault and you," Tang Dao replied with a sigh.

"Don, I have actually asked Captain Chennault the question you just mentioned. He said that the government had already sent a message to ask him. His answer was: I will leave China sooner or later, but that will have to happen after the last Japanese leaves China. when.

The moment before I submitted my retirement application, I suddenly thought his answer was a very interesting one!

Besides, the mercenary flying brigade he wants to establish has a very good name, called the International Flying Team, oh, God! As soon as I heard this name, I couldn't help but get excited. I heard him say that there were not only Americans, but also Dutch, Gauls and Germans. Enemies who were originally on the European battlefield could be together. Isn’t it cool to fight side by side with the mysterious East? "Lieutenant Scott said.

"International Flying Team, okay! I have to admit that Westerners' aesthetics are really unique, but they are not in my world." Tang Dao was speechless.

"If Mr. Colonel has any good suggestions, I can bring them to Captain Chennault."

"We should call them the Flying Tigers, and then spray-paint bright and conspicuous logos on the fighter planes, so that the Japanese will know at a glance that it is you who are coming, and overwhelm them first in terms of momentum."

"This is a good idea. The big sharks you painted on the noses of the six Wildcat fighter jets earlier looked good to me, so I'll use this one." Scott said with some excitement.

"That's not right! You seem to have flown to Kuncheng again in the meantime. Didn't you see Captain Chennault?" Tang Dao suddenly remembered a detail.

Because he had to escort the C-47 transport aircraft, Lieutenant Scott was on air duty once during the trip. The Wildcat fighter formation should have stopped at Kuncheng Airport.

"Hehe! Of course I met Captain Chennault again. This time he offered me a monthly salary of one thousand US dollars, and a reward condition that I couldn't refuse. I would be rewarded with US$800 for shooting down a Japanese plane. God! You know How eager am I to join the war? I can buy a villa by myself without Maria at all." Lieutenant Scott smiled.

Tang Dao wanted to roll his eyes, but after working on it for a long time, the high commission played a big role.

If Tang Dao remembers correctly, the future famous Flying Tigers will spend a staggering 8 million U.S. dollars on various benefits and salaries alone, not counting the cash given out for the Japanese fighter jets they shot down. award.

In a sense, this 'mercenary' air force is a double-edged sword. While it hits the Japanese, it also consumes a huge amount of money. If it is used to equip the army, it can be equipped with 4 pure American equipment. of infantry division.

"Lieutenant Scott, if you join this mercenary army just because of your desire for money, then I have nothing to say, but as a friend, I don't actually want you to become a slave to money." Tang Daoyao He shook his head in dismay.

"NO! NO! Tang, you misunderstood me. I have already suggested to Captain Chennault that we pilots can get high salaries, but more importantly, we can help China win this war. I hope that the flying team will recruit a large number of Chinese as pilots. Those of us who serve as instructors will only take to the air to fight as a last resort. This can not only help China train a large number of its own pilots, but also prevent the Japanese from putting pressure on the government. It can also help the Chinese government save a large amount of expenditure for the war. "Lieutenant Scott quickly explained when he saw Tang Dao's expression was calm.

"If that's the case, that would be great. I can go with you to see Captain Chennault this time. I will help introduce American charities to donate the funds needed for the flying team. The foreign pilots hired will have no problem getting high salaries. I even have The salary can be increased by another 30% based on Captain Chennault's promise, but I have a condition that no one will have special privileges, and the meals and other benefits will be the same as those of Chinese officers and soldiers," Tang Dao said sternly.

"Of course there is no problem. We are here to help the Chinese people resist the shameless invaders. We are not here for a vacation." Lieutenant Scott looked upright and awe-inspiring, as if he was talking about the villa being built just a moment ago.

The sea is another person.

Human nature is indeed complicated. Tang Dao couldn't help but laugh when he looked at the real and somewhat cute American Navy lieutenant in front of him.

But if Lieutenant Scott unexpectedly chose to come to China in advance and established the "Flying Tigers" with several flying groups nearly a year early, Tang Dao would still agree with both hands and feet.

Isn’t it just some money? Tang Dao can afford it, as long as these 'mercenaries' can shed more blood on the Japanese.

What Tang Dao didn't expect was that because he had a huge salary increase of 30%, Lieutenant Scott actually deceived five active US Navy pilots that night, and this guy also guaranteed that he could at least still be in the country. Then he tricked no less than 20 of his old classmates and retired comrades into coming to China.

As for whether the US government will release them, Tang Dao is not worried at all.

In the past, the Flying Tigers, founded in 1941, recruited more than 100 pilots and maintenance mechanics, all of whom were elite talents, and many of them were still in the establishment. As a result, they became civilians before coming to China. If you say that there is no American shadow behind this, the Japanese will not believe it even if they are beaten to death.

And if you want to say how much the US government loves China, it is not necessarily true. The logic behind it is still the two words-interest!

From the perspective of arms dealers, the continuation of the war is what they want to see most, but the Americans probably never dreamed that the Japanese are not good boys. Seeing that the Americans are so unkind and often choke their necks, why don’t they steal a knife!

Typical stealing is the best, and if it can’t be stolen, it’s better to be killed. The Japanese even put their own national destiny on the gambling table, so what are they afraid of?

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