This painting depicts Robert T. Smith of the AVG in his original P-40C, number 77, Third Squadron. Smith joined 300 adventurous and experienced U.S. pilots who volunteered to fly against Japanese aggressors in China many monthes before the bombing of Pearl Harbor. In their obsolete P-40s and under extremely hazardous conditions, Claire Chennault's AVG amassed an enviable record of 296 victories during its brief existence.
