China’s last Flying Tiger pilot died at the age of 91 of lung failure in the country’s southwest hospital.

The man identified as Long Qiming passed away at 12:35 a.m. on Wednesday due to lung illness. Long has been sustained by a machine in a medical facility in Chongqing. He was brought to the hospital last July after incurring a serious lung infection.

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The Flying Tigers group was made up of ex-US military pilots. The group was officially called the American Volunteer Group of the Chinese Air Force during the World War II. The volunteers flew to China during the period and fought against Japanese invaders. The Flying Tigers assisted the country after China’s air force was wiped out when the war started.

From December 1941 to September 1945, the Flying Tigers flew with flying colors. They were able to shoot down a total of 2,600 Japanese military planes and killed 66,700 Japanese soldiers. The Flying Tigers were also able to destroy 44 warships.

Long Yulan, the pilot’s daughter, said her father’s last wish was to be in Beijing next year for the 70th anniversary of the country’s victory against the Japanese invaders. Long’s daughter also added her father wished to go back to Shunde, his hometown.

Long Qiming joined the volunteer group in the 1940s. He was able to fly past the Camel Peak Aviation Route to the Himalayas to deliver military supplies for Chinese soldiers who were resisting Japan’s invasion. He was also part of bombing missions in Myanmar against the Japanese forces.

The old pilot spoke English very well and loved listening to Mozart. After being released from military service in 1952, he worked as an English teacher, porter and technician after being released. He served in various areas in Chongqing also known as the war capital of China during the World War II.

TagsFlying Tigers, Chongqing, Long Qiming, American Volunteer Group of Chinese Air Force, World War II, Shunde, Camel Peak Aviation Route, Himalayas