Zhang Jihui

(1927-2023)

Chinese air force general

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Zhang Jihui (Chinese: 张积慧; pinyin: Zhāng Jīhuì; born February 10, 1927) 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 February 10, 1952, Zhang became famous in China due to the death American ace Major George Andrew Davis, Jr., and he is credited by the Chinese for 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 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.