Chinese-American Composite Wing (Provisional)
The Chinese-American Composite Wing (Provisional) was a combined United States Army Air Forces and Republic of China Air Force unit. It was administratively assigned under Fourteenth Air Force in China throughout its service from 1 October 1943 – 1 August 1945. CACW succeeded the First American Volunteer Group (AVG) after AVG was disbanded in July 1942. The AVG's famed nickname Flying Tigers was also adopted by CACW. CACW leadership was led by previous AVG commander Clare Lee Chennault, who was promoted to the rank of Major-General.
| Chinese-American Composite Wing (Provisional) | |
|---|---|
Emblem of the CACW | |
| Active | 1943-1945 |
| Branch | United States Army Air Forces Republic of China Air Force |
Its operational units were jointly commanded by American and Chinese air force officers, and its aircraft were manned by American and Chinese pilots and air crewmen.
The 1st, 3rd and 5th Groups of CACW later operate in Taiwan, reorganized as 443rd, 427th and 401st Tactical Fighter Wings of the Taiwanese Republic of China Air Force.