Liu Chui-Kang was born in Liaoning province. With the outbreak of war, he served as the commander of the 24th Squadron, which was equipped with Curtiss Hawk III fighters. He quickly established himself as a formidable pilot in the early stages of the conflict.
Throughout August and September 1937, Liu achieved several significant aerial victories. By October 1937, he was serving as part of a group formed from the remnants of the 3rd, 4th, and 5th Groups, adapting to the challenging wartime conditions.
A Tragic End for a War Hero
On October 26, 1937, Liu Chui-Kang was ferrying his Curtiss Hawk III to Taiyuan. However, darkness began to fall rapidly, and his aircraft unexpectedly ran out of fuel. This critical combination of factors led to an unavoidable emergency situation.
During the ensuing forced landing, his plane tragically collided with a tower south of Taiyuan, resulting in his death. Posthumously, he was promoted to the rank of Major, leaving behind a legacy of 7 confirmed aerial victories. In April 1993, he was posthumously awarded the prestigious Seven-Star Medal, honoring his service and sacrifice.
Confirmed Aerial Victories
Liu Chui-Kang achieved a total of 7 aerial victories. His accomplishments included downing Japanese aircraft such as the E8N, A4N, and A5M, in addition to several enemy bombers. His aerial engagements clearly demonstrated his skill and bravery in combat.