Zhang Jihui

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Zhang Jihui
Zhang Jihui after four victories
Native name	张积慧
Born	(1927-02-10)10 February 1927 Rongcheng, Shandong, China
Died	26 April 2023(2023-04-26) (aged 96) Beijing, China
Allegiance	China
Service / branch	Eighth Route Army People's Liberation Army Air Force
Years of service	1945–1978
Commands	27th Aviation Division 1st Aviation Corps Deputy Commander, People's Liberation Army Air Force
Battles / wars	Korean War
Awards	Combat Hero (1st Class) Meritorious Service (Special Class) Meritorious Service (1st Class) Meritorious Service (2nd Class) Freedom and Independence Medal (2nd Class)

Zhang Jihui (Chinese: 张积慧; pinyin: Zhāng Jīhuì; 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.