Willows Korean Aviation School
Willows Korean Aviation School was an aviation school meant to train fighter pilots for the Korean Independence Movement, many of whom were members of the Korean National Association. It was established in 1920 in Glenn County, California, by Korean-Americans and backed by the Korean Provisional Government in Shanghai.
The choice for a Korean Aviation School to be established in California was for multiple reasons including the March 1st movement, interest and financial support from the Korean American community, the impact of World War I on aviation for combat and defensive purposes, and Japan's inability to control or influence the school on US soil. The financial support largely came from the first Korean-American millionaire Kim Chong Lim, until his fortune was lost when a disastrous flood in October 1920 destroyed his rice fields.
Although the school lasted for a little over a year, it had gained a lot of attention and trained many of the pioneers of Korean aviation, including Park Hee-sung, Lee Yong-keun, and Song Yi-kyun. Two of its graduates went on to join the Republic of Korea Air Force, which recognizes the Willows Korean Aviation School as its predecessor.
