[Old Crow]

I read a fascinating article in WW2 History magazine this weekend at the gym. All about the real John Birch and his life as a devout Baptist Christian missionary and tireless and fearless spy for the U.S. Army in China.

I had no idea of the history of the life of the namesake of the John Birch Society, which I had always regarded as a little too right wing for my tastes. Birch was killed by supporters of China's Communist Party in 1945 after the war ended, but had a very successful career as a scout and spy for U.S. Army and Army Air Forces in China, particularly for Claire Chennault. Apparently the command structure in the CBI and the feud between General Stillwell and Chennault prevented Birch from receiving many recommended promotions and commendations. Very interesting read.