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"The Shadow Tiger: Billy McDonald, Wingman to Chennault"
If you enjoy learning more about World War II, aviation history or hearing tales from the greatest generation, Billy McDonald’s presentation about The Shadow Tiger, a new book which documents his father’s experience as wingman to famed airman General Claire Chennault, will surely capture your imagination. He will share largely untold stories about the formation of the Flying Tigers, his father’s unique flying adventures and shed light on what was the American experience in China.
Reviews
Amazon

ByW. Dan Pucketton June 6, 2017

Format: Paperback|Verified Purchase

Writing of one's father, particularly one that is bigger than life in many ways, is a task made both easier and harder than writing about a more abstract relationship. Easier in that the information is more accessible, the feelings more real and the depth of understanding more profound. However, it must be more difficult to write critically, to stand aloof in reaching conclusions and to admit and write about shortcomings. Fortunately for this author, William C. McDonald lll, his father provided such a complete portfolio of letters, telegrams and photos that little interpretation was needed. The task seemed to be more of what to exclude.

The Shadow Tiger is the story of an almost novel-like adventure, which was the life of Billy McDonald, Jr. From a young man determined to be a pilot, to the observations and participation as a brave and often daring pilot in seismic world events, we see an understated hero emerge. Often in the shadow of the renown (occasionally infamous) General Claire Chennault, Billy McDonald witnessed the Japanese invasion of China up close. As part of the Famous Flying Tigers in World War Two, he contributed directly to early defeats of the Japanese Air Force.

McDonald's duties, acquaintances, observations and exploits were preserved in voluminous communications to the family at home, making the author's task one of prioritizing and linking cogent ones into a story. He has done a fine job of that.

A wonderful story of a hero, well told.

amazon

BySamuel Kleineron August 10, 2016

Format: Paperback|Verified Purchase

This is a wonderful addition to the collection of anyone interested in the Flying Tigers or the golden age of aviation. William McDonald III has done a fantastic job of presenting the story of his father, Billy McDonald, in his journey from the Army Air Corps to flying in China.

Claire Chennault's memoir is notably lacking in talking about his time in China before he set up the Flying Tigers and the McDonald volume is an important contribution to that history in helping to provide the color and context for what Chennault and other Americans were doing in that period. If you wanted to know more about Chennault, the Flying Tigers or American aviators in China, this is a must-read.

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