recreation & entertainment

A sketch of the pilot James C. Vurgaropulos who died during a mission in 1944 in China, drawn in the CBI by the Hollywood actor, voice actor, and artist Don Barclay, during his first tour of China in 1943. See more about Don Barclay here.

"Don Barclay (seated in cockpit of P-40 fighter #42-9766), celebrated American artist, whose caricatures have appeared in nearly all the publications is now on a visit to Gen. Claire L. Chennault's 14th AAF. Barclay spent many hours with the 'China Blitzers' inhabitants of 'Sweat Hill.'"

"Interested Spectators Sit With The General While He Awaits His Turn At Bat At A Baseball Game In China. Left To Right: Cpl. Lee Gordon, Colonel Zeondioff, Major Shevallier, Major General C.L. Chennault, And Don Barclay."

Don Barclay (December 26, 1892 – October 16, 1975), seated on the right in the image above, was a Hollywood actor, voice actor, and artist who persevered to tour a number of regions during WWII providing USO shows and other entertainment to US servicemen. He was greatly appreciated by the GIs for not dropping out, for example, feigning illness or...

Americans and Chinese enjoy a bit of recreation in "Flanagan's Bar," named for Sgt. Wm. Flanagan, seated third from the left in front row. Lt. Tong, K. T, communications officer for the Chinese Air Force, plays the Chinese violin (二胡). Image courtesy of Tony Strotman.