Republic of China; 4 May 1942   The Flying Tigers at Kunming »  The 1st AVG, or American Volunteer Group also known as the "Flying Tigers" would see action in China from December 1941 to July 1942. Chinese ground forces were able to hold off the Japanese 56th Division's drive to Kunming with air support from the AVG, or "Flying Tigers". Largely comprised of American fighter pilots, these "volunteers" were key in successes over the Japanese Air Force during May of 1942. Actual numbers are disputed of enemy aircraft destroyed by the Flying Tigers, but even with conservative numbers used the AVG had superior ratios of air victories.

 Burma, Southeast Asia; 17 May 1944: Merrill's Marauders take Myitkyina » Merrill's Marauders, fought in Burma against the Japanese forces and were the Army's first Ranger unit. Led by Major General Frank Merrill, the unit was made up of experienced jungle fighters exclusively. In March and subsequent months of 1944 while vastly outnumbered, the unit advanced 750 miles through some of the harshest jungle terrain in the world.

Myitkyina, Burma; 17 May 1944:  General Joseph Stilwell  Four-star General Joseph Stilwell was best known for his service in the China and Burma Theatre during World War II. He had earned the nicknames "Uncle Joe" and "Vinegar Joe" for his tough personality and his caring attitude for the emlisted men in his command. His popularity would be tested in Burma operations and the Battle of Myitkyina.