God Is My Co-Pilot

A 34-year-old Army Air Force pilot initially deemed too old for combat, he volunteers for a secret bombing mission against Tokyo. After Manila falls and the mission is canceled, he is promoted and sent on dangerous, unescorted transport runs over The Hump to supply the Flying Tigers. He proves his combat worth by joining the AVG, becoming a double-ace, and ultimately earning one final, high-stakes flight granted by ‘the old man’.

A seasoned AVG pilot who has fought the Japanese as mercenaries aligned with the Chinese Air Force, he serves as a key combat mentor and teammate. He and Scott form part of the Tigers’ fighter squadron, sharing experience and courage in dangerous missions. His presence emphasizes the value of experienced airmen in shaping Scott’s ascent.

The commander of the Flying Tigers who recognizes Scott’s grit and pushes him toward frontline combat. He makes a personal call to ground him due to age and fatigue, then, moved by duty and trust, grants him a final mission with the group. His leadership frames the strategic decisions that guide the AVG’s exploits.

The infamous Japanese fighter ace who duels with Scott during the Independence Day raid. He is skilled and deadly, ultimately meeting his match in a dramatic encounter that ends with his aircraft aflame. His confrontation with Scott serves as the story’s high-stakes antagonist in the air.

Scott’s wife whose presence represents the stakes of war on the home front. The narrative hints at her role as the recipient of a letter from Chennault, indicating the family’s concern and the emotional weight of Scott’s dangerous duties. She embodies the personal cost of the pilot’s courage.

The child of Scott and Catherine whose existence underscores what’s at stake for the family. Her inclusion emphasizes the human side of wartime service and the protective instincts of the pilot and his comrades. She appears as part of the emotional backdrop of the mission.