The Government of China
and Curtiss-Wright Corporation formed China National Aviation
Corporation (CNAC) in 1929. In 1933 it became a partnership between
the Chinese Government and Pan American Airways.
CNAC transported supplies and personnel
for the famous Flying Tigers, flying between bases in Burma and
China. It also pioneered air supply routes over the Himalayan
Mountains between India and China, popularly known as the "Hump."
The Flying Tigers were disbanded
in 1942, and many of its pilots joined CNAC which was soon absorbed
into the Army Air Force Air Transport Command.
Japanese Forces soon cut the Burma
Road between India, Burma and China, and CNAC transported vital
materials and personnel over the Hump's 500 miles of inhospitable
weather and terrain while dodging marauding Japanese fighters.
Between April 1942 and August 1945,
CNAC crews flew the C-47 on more than 38,000 trips over the Hump,
transporting 114,500 tons of vital materials and personnel to
Chinese and American Forces in China, Burma and India.
It was a cruel and demanding operation,
from which many CNAC planes and their crews never returned. On
December 31, 1949, the Chinese Government officially purchased
the American shares, and CNAC passed out of existence.
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Chest Patch |
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Size
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5 inches diameter |
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Materials
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Hand-cut & sewn goatskin |
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Shoulder Patch |
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Size
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3 inches diameter |
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Materials
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Hand-cut & sewn goatskin |
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