Dick Rossi, the Flying Tigers pilot who downed more than six Japanese planes during World War II and later helped preserve the history of the world-famous volunteers, has died. He was 92.

Mr. Rossi died April 17 at his home in Fallbrook, Calif., from complications of pneumonia, said his wife, Lydia.

In the days before the United States entered World War II, Mr. Rossi, a Navy flight instructor, learned of a secret volunteer group that would travel to China and defend the nation against attacks by the Japanese.

Mr. Rossi resigned his Navy commission and signed up.

During their months of combat, the Flying Tigers, as the group came to be known, shot down 296 Japanese planes. Mr. Rossi's many honors include two Distinguished Flying Crosses.