Zhang Jihui

Who is Zhang Jihui?

Zhang Jihui was the Deputy Commander of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Air Force and a highly decorated fighter pilot during the Korean War. Zhang joined the PLAAF in 1945 and was one of the first combat pilots trained for the PLAAF. He was later posted at the Chinese 4th Aviation Division, which was also the first Chinese air unit that entered combat during the Korea War. On February 10, 1952, Zhang became famous in China due to the death of American ace Major George Andrew Davis, Jr., and he was credited for shooting down the American ace until Russian sources disputed his claim 40 years later. Zhang claimed a total of four victories during his service in Korea, and he was awarded the title Combat Hero, 1st Class during his service. After the Korean War, Zhang had held various commands and became the Deputy Commander of PLAAF in 1973. Outside of his military career, Zhang was also the Deputy Mayor of Yantai.