S4 [ENCORE] - World War II Aviation Stories: An American “ghost pilot,” and the Japanese fighter pilot who became a god in Tainan 台南
Feb 6, 2025
Dive into thrilling tales of WWII aviation, featuring a U.S. pilot who ingeniously crafted a plane with bamboo skis for an epic raid following Pearl Harbor. Discover the haunting saga of Corn Cheryl, a ghost pilot who met a tragic fate. Explore the fascinating transformation of a Japanese fighter pilot into a deity, revered in Tainan for his bravery. This blend of history and legend showcases the complexities of war, resilience, and cultural reverence, making for a captivating listen.
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The Ghost Plane of Fujian
In 1942, a ghost plane, a damaged P-40 with a dead pilot, crashed in Fujian.
The plane had bamboo skis, was riddled with bullets, and carried a diary revealing the pilot's identity as Corn Sherrill.
insights INSIGHT
A Fictitious Pilot?
The pilot's name used in the story is fictitious, likely for military security reasons.
The story's author, Robert Lee Scott Jr., was known for embellishing tales, raising questions about its veracity.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Sherrill's Attack on Formosa
Corn Sherrill, stationed in the Philippines, used parts from two wrecked P-40s to build a functional plane.
With bamboo skis for takeoff, he attacked a Japanese airfield on Formosa before being shot down.
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This book is a personal narrative by Colonel Robert L. Scott Jr., recounting his early fascination with flying, his training and mishaps, and his extensive military career. It covers his experiences flying the U.S. Mail, surviving harsh weather conditions, and his combat missions in China and Burma. Scott's story highlights his persistence, determination, and courage, and includes vivid accounts of his time as a commander of the AVG (American Volunteer Group), also known as the Flying Tigers. The book is praised for its engaging storytelling and provides a unique perspective on the China Burma India Theater during World War II.
Damned to Glory
Damned to Glory
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Robert Lee Scott Jr.
Robert Lee Scott Jr.'s "Damned to Glory" offers a firsthand account of his experiences as a fighter pilot during World War II. The book details his aerial combat encounters, strategic missions, and the challenges faced by American pilots in the Pacific theater. It provides insights into the bravery, camaraderie, and sacrifices made by airmen during the war. The narrative is filled with thrilling action sequences and personal reflections, offering a vivid portrayal of the war's intensity. The book's popularity stems from its gripping storytelling and its honest depiction of the realities of war. It remains a significant contribution to the literature of World War II aviation.
Formosa Files presents two incredible stories about
WWII airmen in this week’s remastered, re-edited encore episode (first released in Sept. 2022).
First, a tale by the author of “God is My Co-Pilot”
about a U.S. pilot who cobbled together a plane – with bamboo “skis” instead of wheels – and flew it on an epic raid a year after the Pearl Harbor attacks.
And second, the story of how a young Japanese fighter
pilot from Mito (near Tokyo) became “General Flying Tiger,” a deity worshiped at a temple in Tainan City, Taiwan.
We recommend listening to the whole episode; however,
if you're only interested in the “General Flying Tiger” story, skip to about minute 14.
The Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa Files
