Gen. Claire Lee Chennault
"Flying Tigers" Masonic First Day
Cover
Claire L. Chennault - Air Force Major General
famous for his "Flying Tigers" in WWII. Born September 6, 1890 at
Commerce, Texas. Commissioned 1st Lieutenant of Infantry in 1917 and
transferred to aviation section of the Signal Corps. Retired from the
Army in 1937 to become advisor to Chiang Kai-shek until 1941 when he was
recalled to active duty and promoted to brigadier general in 1942. He
activated the 14th Air Force and commanded it from 1943-45. He was made
a major general in 1943 and retired again in 1945 to organize the CNRRA Air
Transport, now called Civil Air Transport, of which he became president in
1948. Bro, Chennault writes "You will note that my Masonic affiliations
are widely scattered--Texas to China to California. This is particularly
unfortunate since I now divide my time between Louisiana and Formosa--(now
Taiwan)--Free China." Member of League City Lodge No. 1066, League City,
Texas, 32°
A.A.S.R. Orient of China at Shanghi (in exile) and
a Noble of Islam Shrine Temple, San Francisco, California. He died July
27, 1958.
Greetings
Brother Curator:
My grandfather, AA Hawkes, was
an Air Corps Supply officer who served with the 14th Air Force, 68th Air
Service Group in China. In addition to being a Scottish RIte Freemason
back home in RIchmond, VA, he also belonged to a Masonic organization in
China (see the above membership card) which was signed and presided over by
General Claire Chennault. I have attached a scan of his membership card
which might be of interest to your visitors. Sincerely,
Frank Marshall, South Riding, VA.
