On December 20 when the Flying Tigers engaged in combat for the first time during a raid by Hanoi-based Japanese aircraft on the Chinese city of Kunming, Rector provided the American Volunteer Group with its first aerial victory and would later record the last in a long list of 23rd Fighter Group air-to-air kills. In May 1942, he played a critical role in locating and attacking Japanese military columns attempting a push into China at the Salween River Gorge.
On December 20, when the Flying Tigers engaged in combat for the first time during a raid by Hanoi-based Japanese aircraft on the Chinese city of Kunming, Rector provided the American Volunteer Group with its initial aerial victory and would later document the final one among the group's extensive list of 23rd Fighter Group air-to-air kills. In May 1942, he played a crucial role in identifying and attacking Japanese military columns attempting to advance into China at the Salween River Gorge.