David Lee "Tex" Hill   After college graduation in 1938, "Tex" entered the U.S. Navy Aviation Cadet Program and was awarded his "wings of gold" and a commission as ensign in 1939.  He served as a pilot aboard the USS Saratoga, USS Ranger and one cruise on the USS Yorktown before joining Claire Chennault's famous American Volunteer Group (AVG)/Flying Tigers in 1941.      While leading the AVG's 2nd Squadron, the Panda Bears, "Tex" downed "12.25" Japanese planes.  When the AVG disbanded on July 4, 1942, Hill stayed on as a USAAF major with Gen. Chennault and became the first commander of the 75th FS, 23rd FG.      "Tex" returned to China in 1943 as a colonel to command the 23rd FG and added six more victories to his tally.  His last wartime assignment in 1945 was as commander of the 412th FG - the USAAF's first all-jet unit - in Bakersfield, California.      In 1947, he took command of the Texas Air National Guard and became the youngest brigadier general in the Guard's history at age 31.      "Tex" holds the Distinguished Service Cross among his many military decorations, and he is truly an "aviation legend" in his time!

Exclusive Limited Edition Offer Now you can own an exclusive Flying Aces Autographed Series Flight Jacket as worn now by American Volunteer Group (AVG) Flying Tiger's Ace, David Lee "Tex" Hill, to commemorate his service as squadron leader, second squadron, "The Panda Bears," in Burma and China, August 1941 to July 1942.  "Tex" continued to wear this same type G-1 jacket while serving as the first commander of the 75th FS, 23rd FG, China Air Task Force (the succesor unit to the AVG/Flying Tigers), and later as Commander of the 23rd Fighter Group, 14th Air Force, CBI Theater of Operations.       Each autographed jacket will come with a numbered Certificate of Authenticity which was autographed by "Tex" Hill before he passed away and aviation artist Robert Peters.   A Testimonial from "Tex":  " Bob, I've been associated with a lot of aviation artists in my time who have painted the P-40B, Tomahawk, "White 48" that I flew while I was in the American Volunteer Group/Flying Tigers.  I can't tell you how pleased I was with your rendition of my airplane.  It's the best thing that I've seen done on any flight jacket.  I'll wholeheartedly recommend your work to any of my fellow Fighter Aces and other pilots I know.  I am proud to have my signature appear on the America Flying Aces replica flight jacket painted by you.  It was a real pleasure working with you Bob.    Your Friend, "Tex" Hill.    This exclusive artwork can be painted on your own leather jacket or a new one that you purchase.  The jacket worn by "Tex" Hill and other AVG pilots was a USN G-1 Flight Jacket.   Painting Price on  Jacket Front and Back with Tex's signature as shown above   $850  The jackets shown here are approved by "Tex" Hill. Since he passed away his family receives a payment for his signature on any painted jacket. Robert Peters is legally the only one authorized to put Tex's signature on any leather or cloth  jacket.     USN G-1 jacket:    $320   Other variations and prices available upon request, for example:       More Exciting New Aces Signature Jacket Offers Flying Your Way Soon!