On November 22nd, Vice President Xie Yuan awarded “Special Contribution to China-U.S. Friendship”to Chairman Gen. Whitehead of the U.S. Flying Tigers Historical Organization(FTHO)，President Larry Jobe of FTHO and Vice Chairman KC Ma of FTHO. 

Vice President Xie Yuan expressed his thanks to the awardees’long-term efforts, after the founding of the FTHO, in commemorating, protecting and carrying forward the history of precious cooperation between China and the U.S.in the World War II.  He also thanked them for the great contributions to the reflying the Hump. VP Xie extended warm congratulations on the successful re-flying after nine-year plan and preparation.  

President Jobe said during the re-flying, the crew underwent many difficulties. Every time, the Chinese people extended warm hands and helped settle the problems as they did so many times to the Flying Tigers in the World War II. He bears heartfelt gratitude to the Chinese people. 

FTHO raised fund and purchased a C-47 aircraft which served in the the World War II. After taking off from Australia on August 15th, the crew had to change both engines and encountered one forced landing and finally on November 19th, the aircraft successfully landed in Guilin and completed the mission of re-flying the Hump. In late March 2017, the aircraft will be officially stationed in the American Flying Tigers Guilin Heritage Park.