2nd Squadron "Panda Bears"
American Volunteer Group (AVG) "Flying Tigers"

Background
The American Volunteer Group (AVG) "Flying Tigers", 2nd Squadron was nicknamed "Panda Bears" operating the P-40B Warhawk in China, Burma and Thailand.

On January 3, 1942 three P-40B Warhawks including John Newkirk leading leading David Hill and James Howard to strafe Raheng Airfield in Thailand. They arrived just as Ki-27 Nates from 77th Hiko Sentai (77th Flying Regiment) were landing. Still airborne, their third element followed the P-40s and misidentified them as Spitfires. Spotting aircraft lined up on the ground, Howard dove down to strafe unaware a Ki-27 was on his tail and claimed four parked fighters. Newkirk turned in behind this, opened fire and reported that it crash-landed, turned over and burst into flames. Hill meanwhile claimed another fighter shot off Newkirk's tail, and Newkirk then claimed another before heading for home. Meanwhile, troops on the ground were firing at the P-40s. He was credited with a "Zero" and an "I-96" shot down, the other fighters not being specifically identified. During the fight Sergeant Major Matsunaga claimed one of the attackers shot down and Lieutenant Kisaij Beppu one probable, but Warrant Officer Yokoyama was shot down and badly wounded. On the ground one Ki-27 was burned, one badly damaged and one damaged to a lesser extent.

On March 24, 1942 four P-40s from the squadron took off from Loiwing Airfield on a strafing mission against Chiang Mai, Lost is P-40B P-8196 pilot John Newkirk (MIA).

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