Zhang Jihui

Zhang Jihui (; 10 February 1927 – 26 April 2023) was the Deputy Commander of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) 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 10 February 1952, Zhang became famous in China due to the death of American ace Major George Andrew Davis, Jr., and he was credited by the Chinese with shooting down the American ace. Russian sources disputed his claim 40 years later, with different theories as to who might have engaged him and how they might have done it. 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 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.

Early life and military career Zhang Jihui was born at Rongcheng, Shandong in January 1927. He was born into a poor peasant family of seven that lived off of land. His father, Zhang Benzhou, was a farmer and a member of the Chinese Communist Party. Zhang entered elementary school at the age of 10, and he became a school teacher after finishing elementary school at Ningjin County in 1943. Zhang was sent to study at the school and graduated in 1948. He was among the first group of pilots trained for the fledgling People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF). In 1950, Zhang became a group leader at the 4th Aviation Division.

Combat in Korea When the PLAAF officially entered the air war over Korea in September 1951, Zhang's 4th Aviation Division was the first PLAAF unit sent into combat, and it was under the command of the Soviet 64th Aviation Corps. The 4th Aviation Division was stationed at Langtou Airfield in Liaoning Province, and it was composed of 55 MiG-15s. Zhang first entered two aerial engagements with no victory, but he soon claimed his first victory on 16 October 1951. While intercepting a UN flight on October 16, Zhang claimed to shoot down one aircraft while forcing a F-86 Sabre to crash. Davis was the highest-ranking Korean War ace at the time, and he was posthumously celebrated as a hero and received the Medal of Honor. About 36 MiG-15s from the 4th Aviation Division were involved in the engagement in which Davis was killed, and Zhang was among the group. According to Zhang's own report after the battle, while the MiGs were en route to intercept Davis' group, he and his wingman became separated from the main element.

The publicity of Davis' death soon caught the Chinese attention. and that Davis had claimed to have shot down two Chinese MiGs moments before being killed. The lack of gun camera footage from the Chinese side meant Zhang's victory claim also hinged on his own recollection of the event. Lieutenant General Georgy Lobov, commander of the 64th Aviation Corps, also noted in his memoir that Davis was killed by a Soviet pilot. Currently, both China and Russia have taken credit for Davis' death with no conclusive evidence to confirm either side of the story. The PLAAF later awarded Zhang the title Combat Hero, 1st Class for this action.

In July 1978, Zhang was stripped of his ranks and imprisoned, but after his release in 1980, he became the Deputy Mayor of Yantai. In July 1990, the PLA Central Military Commission restored Zhang's position and allowed him to retire with a state pension.

Claims

Number Date Typenote 1 1951.10.16 F-86 3 1952.2.10 F-86 two aircraftcommon achievement 4 unknown F-86 5 1953.5.26 F-86common achievement