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Insignia and Aircraft Markings of the Ninth Air Force in World War II
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VOLUME IIIINSIGNIA AND TACTICAL MARKINGS
OF THE NINTH AIR FORCEIN WORLD WAR Two
ROBERT A. WATKINS
THE ORPHAN AIR FORCE OF THE ETO
Insignia And Aircraft Markings OfThe Ninth Air Force In World War II
Volume III
Robert A. Watkins
RESPECTFUllY DEDICATED TO All THOSE WHO SERVEDWITH THE NINTH U.S. ARMY AIR FORCE
DURING WORLD WAR II
Book Design & Illustrations by Robert A. WatlGns
Copyright © 2008 by Robert A. Watkins.
Library of Congress Control Number: 2007936610
All rights reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced or used in any forms or by
any means - graphic, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying or informationstorage and retrieval systems - without written permission from the copyright holder.
Printed in China.
ISBN: 978-0-7643-2938-8
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ContentsIntroduction 6
Historical Overview 7
Fighter Units 14
Troop Transport Units 60
Bombardment Units 94
Liaison Units 120
Reconnaissance Units 126
USAAF Markings : 139
USAAF Colors 147
USAAF Stations Map 148
Ninth AAF Organizational Charts 149
Closing Argument 154
Abbreviations 158
Operations Codes 159
Index 160
Bibliography 166
Acknowledgments 166
Closing Tribute 167
Owners Manual:There is really nothing complicat
ed about the use of this work, thereare however a few items within thatmay perhaps warrant awee bit of elaboration.Dates: All dates containedherein have been expressed in a military format, i.e. day/month/year.As these relate to unit postings and command transitions, they indicate 'timein' only, the duration of anassignment can be easilydetermined by addressingthe next succeeding applicable date. When no additional data is available thissimply indicates that the tenure of a given assignmentcarried through to the official end of hostilities in theEuropean Theatre of Operations, this being V-E Day,8-May-45.Maps: Wherever possible station assignments havebeen depicted in chronological order. This order hasbeen established by reading each station copy blockcounter-clockwise, beginning at the top left corner ofany respective map. These copy blocks correspond tothe accompanying text listings found on each page.My apologies in advance to readers in both Hollandand Belgium for any awkwardness that may exist inlisting the respective station province locations. Unfortunately, to date I have not had the opportunity tospend the time in either of these two countries that Iwould have liked. My knowledge of these lands hasbeen confined primarily to written research, a situation that I hope to remedy in the near future.Text: Some readers may wonder why the phrase 'NoKnown Insignia' is used repeatedly throughout thiswork instead of simply using the word 'None' in reference to missing insignia. Although many unauthorized insignia may not currently be known to me, thisin no way negates their possible existence. The sameis true of squadron colors, codes, etc. Use of the word'None' implies that there is nothing more to be saidon a given issue and this is simply not the case wherethis particular subject is concerned.
6
Ongoing Research:Those readers familiar with the first
two books in this series are awareof my acknowledgement that both of
these works represent awork-in-progress, andthe same is true in thecase of this, my latesteffort. In fact, due to theneglect with which theNinth Army Air Forcehas been subjectedsince the conclusion ofWorld War II, my efforts in cataloging boththe combat insignia andtactical markings of this
organization have been considerably more difficultthan one might imagine, especially given the fact thatthe Ninth AAF was the largest tactical aerial armadaever assembled. It is a constant source of amazementthat it is often easier to obtain certain types of documentation relating to much smaller USAAFs in moreremote theatres of operation during the course of thewar..
My primary concern is with the unofficial imagesthat were so common during this period. Even withthe advent of the Army's Heraldic Section, manyunits continued to display images and markings thathad not gone through the official approval process.This was especially true once hostilities broke outand many of the AAF combat units were dispersedthroughout the globe. Before this historical imageryis hopelessly scattered, I hope to collect and catalogueas much as possible concerning unit insignia and tactical markings of all combat units of the AAF. In thisongoing attempt to chronicle data as it relates to theoriginal U.S. Army Air Service of 1918 through thetransition to the current U.S. Air Force on September 18th, 1947, I continue to encourage those readerswho have in their possession any data relating to thissubject to contact me at the address below.
R0bert A. Watkins8462 Road 41
Mancos, Colorado81328-8945
USA
Sicily
Italy
The 1st Provisional Group was shortly joined bythe 57th FtrGrp, 12th Bomb Group (M) and the 98thBomb Group (H). Also joining this assemblage werenumerous C-47 Skytrain twin engine transports, allof which began combat operations against RommelsAfrika Korps. Sortieing from airfields located in bothPalestine and Egypt, this unit assisted the British 8thArmy in the Allied defeat of Axis forces at the Second Battle of El Alamein in November 1942.
It was during this period that USAMEAF was officially deactivated (l2-Nov-42) and all of that organizations components transferred to the newly createdNinth U.S. Army Air Force. Many more additionalunits had been assigned to the newly formed Ninthand the overall command structure at that time wasas follows: IX Bomber Command consisting ofthe 12th Bomb Group (M), 98th Bomb Group (H),
340th Bomb Group (M), along with the376th Bomb Group (H), the latter havingbeen created from the original 1st Provisional Group. IX Fighter Command: comprised of the 57th Ftr Group, 79th Ftr Grp,and the 324th Ftr Grp. Also assigned to theNinth at this time was the 316th Troop Car
rier Group. (Both the12th Bombardmentand the 57th FighterGroups were on detached duty with theRAF during this timeperiod.)
Beginning in August 1943 units within the Ninth AAF began to be transferredto the Twelfth AAFand with a stroke ofthe pen the Ninthofficially ceased toexist within theMediterranean Theater
while magically being recreated thousands of milesaway in southwestern England, and all on the sameday, 16-0ct-43. For the Ninth AAF, heavy bomberswere now a thing of the past as the new focus wasto be on the tactical aspect of the war in western Europe.
The Ninth Army Air Force has, for some reason,been sadly neglected in so many., of the post war histories and documentaries in comparison to the exposuregiven the Eighth Air Force. This in spite of the fact thatfor much of World War II these two mighty air armadas fought side by side in the same skies over westernEurope until final victory had been achieved.
This neglect may be in part due to the fact that theNinth AF was not created among much pomp and circumstance, but rather evolved somewhat slowly overa period of time in a much more obscure theater thanthe one it ultimately ended up spending most of thewar. Whereas the Mighty Eighth began its combat operations in the most highly publicized area of the confEct, the war in western Europe, the Ninth USAAFhad its beginnings in the Middle East, and under anentirely different and obscure unit designation.
What would eventually become the largesttactical air force the world had ever seen actually came into existence under the code nameHALPRO and the entire inventory of this newunit consisted of twenty-three B-24D Liberatorheavy bombers recently transferred from theTenth U.S. Army Air Force based in India.
The HALPROmission of 12-Jun-42was the first officialUSAAF combat operatio]} within the Mediterranean area and thefirst in what wouldbecome many attackson the stratigic oil fieldsat Ploesti, Rumania.
On 17-June-42, lessthan one week following this raid, theHALPRO contingentwas combined withan initial detachmentof B-17D's from the7th Bomb Group (H) of Allahabad, India. This assortment of bombers would form the nucleus of the newU.S. Army Air Forces in the Middle East (USAMEAF)and designated the 1st Provisional Group / USAAF,which would continue operations from Cairo, Egypt.
7
'fUE f,AI] 'fJ~ET ft. 8'fEEJ~Obtaining and maintaining control of the air over
Western Europe did not come easily. Even with thedecline of the Luftwaffe's ability to effectively counter the Allies aerial intrusions over German occupiedterritory, opposition from the ground was both intenseand deadly. Field Marshall Erwin Rommel the 'DesertFox' perhaps best summed up Germanys dilemma:"Anyone whofights, even with the most modern weapons, against an enemy who dominates the air,is like a primitive warrior who stands againstmodern forces, with the same limitations andthe same chance of success". The WermachtHigh Command knew this and in spite of seeing their Luftwaffe increasingly decimated,took the .only remaining option open to them.As their own air force was being swept fromthe skies, a desperate effort was undertakenon the ground in an attempt to keep the massive Allied air armadas at bay.By 1944 German anti-aircraft defences had reached
an all time high and consisted of over 10,600 heavyAA guns as compared to 3,164 in 1940. During thissame period production and deployment of light AAguns rose from 8,290 to 19,360 while the use of aerialsearchlights went from 3,450 to 7,500. Additionally the Luftwaffe utilized radar directedfire control over their most sensitive targetareas. Some of the more formidable of thesewere located in the feared Flak Towers builtspecifically to combat the Allied air incursions.These were massive bomb proof structures,some over six stories high, with weapons ranging from single, dual and quad mounted 20mmAA guns, the deadly effective 88mm cannonto the incredibly powerful 128mm Flak Guns.During the latter phase of the European airwar, ground fire from German AA batteries accounted for the vast majority of allied aircraft and aircrew losses.
All of this effort on the part of the Wermacht wasnever intended as a replacement for their own severely diminished loss of aerial defences. Time waswhat the German high command were hoping to gainthrough these efforts, time to rebuild the Luftwaffewith an inventory comprised of state-of-the-art aircraft like the jet powered Me 262, and equally important, time to train the pilots to fly these aircraft. It wasan act of desperation that was to prove fruitless.
8
r
A ENT EFrom its humble beginnings at the eastern end of
the Mediterranean Ocean the Ninth U.S. Army AirForce ultimately grew to become the greatesttactical air armada the world had ever seen.
From its inception the Ninth was charged withaccomplishing three very basic combat principles:1.) Gain air superiority.2.) Deny the enemy the ability to replenish or
resupply losses.3.) Offer allied ground forces close support.
The Ninth was to become master of all three.Of all this units accomplishments throughouthe conflict, the Normandy Invasion serves
~&iIJas a high-water mark achievement. Workingclosely with their British counterparts, the
AF's Second Tactical Air Force, the Germanwar machine on the western front was success-
~~]fully kept off balance during the D-Day landings thus ensuring a firm Allied foothold on the
European Continent, but thecost was high. The Normandy Air Campaign officiallylasted from June 6th thru August 28th 1944 and resultedin a total of 4,101 Alliedaircraft lost, 1,637 of whichwere medium bombers andfighters. Over 389,400 sor
ties were flown during this campaign at a cost of16,674 allied airmen. As horrific as these losseswere however, they paled in comparison to the casualties inflicted upon the enemies forces, and theway had been paved for ultimate victory in theEuropean Theater.
Neither the U.S. Ninth nor the British SecondTactical Air Forces would be afforded any respiteat the conclusion of this campaign. In fact those
engaged in the daily combat operations mos~ likelywouldn't have been able to tell you the differencebetween August 28 and the 29th, it was all 'businessas usual'. Operating from often hastily constructedAdvanced Landing Grounds (ALG) the men ofboth the Ninth and Second Air Forces continuedconducted daily flight operations against theenemy until wars end.
"
9
(JSllill~ IlllllI{IN(,S'I'III~ 1~'T(nJJ'I'IONOlf IJ.S. Nl\'1'IONll" lUIU~1l1llf'l' INSU,NIll
Circa 1916: The first national identification markings appliedto U.S. aircraft appeared at the North Island Aviation School,California. Neither design was ever officially adopted by theArmy Signal Corps. These applications appeared on the tailsection only with no other images being applied to the surfacearea of the wings, top or bottom, nor the fuselage.
May 17, 1917: These two images represent the first authorizedcombination of national recognition insignia on U.S. militaryaircraft. During this period there were no standards in placeregulating color uniformity, and as a result many applicationsvaried from one aircraft to another and tended to be governedsolely by those color shades currently on hand.
,
January 11, 1918: For reasons that may have been as muchpolitical as practical 'star-and-circle' insignia was replace withthe cokade pattern depicted at left. This modification howeveraffected only those AEF aircraft serving on the Western Front.The tail color configuration was itself modified from readingred-white-blue, right to left, to blue-white-red.
At the time of this writing no documentation has been located to explain the logic behind these changes, but the Armyofficially dropped this combination and reverted to the original1917 configuration on all its aircraft in May of 1919.
Circa 1924-1927: The 'U.S. Army' designator was adopted forunder-wing surface application on all Army Air Corps aircraftin 1924. The alternating pattern of horizontal red and whitetail stripes came into existence three years later. Both of theseadaptations were to disappear permanently from all Army AirForce warplanes in the wake of Pearl Harbor.
•
10
For a while it looked as if the Army had found a permanent solution regarding aircraft identification, Than reality came into play inthe form of World War II and complicated the issue once more.
The first problem with the existing No.24102-K pattern camefrom the Pacific. Friendly fire incidences were far to frequent andone reason for this was allegedly due to the existing U.S. aircraftmarking. It was reported that the first thins Allied anti-aircraft gunners reacted to when observing USAAF aircraft was the red circlein the center of the 24102-K insignia, with predictable and often disastrous results for U.S. pilots and flight crews. An attempt to remedy this problem resulted in the issuance of Amendment No.3 whichordered the immediate removal of the red circular device from aUU.S. aircraft deployed outside the Continental United States. Whilethis move solved one problem regarding recognition of American
aircraft insignia, it was determined that additional research wasneeded. On June 18th 1943, a series of tests were held under authority of the Army / Navy Aeronautical Board to further study thisproblem.
A selection of both Allied and Axis national markings were applied to the U.S. aircraft, principaUy the P-47 Thunderbolt. A seriesof 'fly-by' runs were conducted at varying altitudes and distancesto establish the optimum image for recognition of U.S. aircraft. Theoverall favorite was a new design recently added to the mix whichincluded a set of horizontal white bars on each side of the circle andstar configuration. The entire design was originally enclosed with ared outline but this was soon converted to the now familiar InsigniaBlue contour line which, except for the addition of a red horizontalbar, remains in use by todays United States Air Force.
•HJI,Y 201!)Ll2
The images depicted below will serve to illustrate the modifications to U.S. military aircraft identification insignia between 20Jul-4l and 14-Aug-43 with respective approval dates as indicated.The utilization of an Identification Yellow outer ring was orderedby Allied Force Headquarters. While used extensively during theNorth African campaign, it was employed only briefly in the UK.
~Ii\Y 211 oel'omm 1 .J1JNII 21)11)42 11)42 11)43
1UI(WS'l' 1'•11)'.:1
')'YI)II-1 ')'YI)II-21l ')'Yl)II-2U ')'Yl)II-3A 'I'YI)II-:m
- Diameter= '0' ---1-"'------1 1/2 '0'
1/8 '0'
~T.......1/4 '0'
The final war time design selected by the Army/Navy Aeronautical Board utilized only two colors; Insignia Blue and InsigniaWhite. The specific ANA color codes changed constantly and arenot addressed within the confines of this text. Readers wishing topursue the subject of U.S. military insignia colors in finite detail areencouraged to consult the bibliography for additional subject sources.
11
The question comes up from time to time as to why any realeffort would go into such an obscure subject as unit insignia, andthe answer is quite simple; It was a part of the everyday life ofthe vast majority of U.S. pilots, air and ground crew alike thatthe subject should be recorded and not forgotten by future generations. The generation that fought World War II didn't feel thatthey had to hide in a closet with the Sunday paper lest someonecatch them reading, god forbid, the funnies. Those were simplertimes and by today's standards much less sophisticated, whichone might also successfully argue equates to less pretentious.
Social analysis aside, these images are important because theywere important to the men that fought the war, period. If thegeneration that fought this war saw fit to invest a good part oftheir time and resources in displaying these images, the imagesare certainly worth preserving as part of their history.
,
including the tail section. In many cases the only photos depictingthis particular legible view of an aircraft were those taken immediately following an accident such as seen in the accompanyingimage depicting a runway mishap involving the 391stBG. Whilegroup designators were displayed on both upper wing surfacesas well as the tail section on the heavy bombers, the mediumbombers of the Ninth AAF carried their Group designators onlyon their tail sections. This makes the positive identification of anygiven aircraft depicted in a war time photograph almost totallydependant upon a rear view angle of ship. It is sometimes possible to definitively identify an aircraft from it's nose art alone ifadequate unit records were maintained. Even the configuration,
~"._llaIlIII'I!III6" or absence, of the In'vasion Stripes and the particular design onthe fuselage of the national insignia helps narrow the time frameof a given photo image.
~~<lN<.'. If one can determine the aircraft serial number located on thevertical stabilizers of all U.S. war birds, the rest is fairly easy.
IU~SI~lUU~I1I)UOIUI~}IS
Like so many other procedures required of military personnel,the process of preparing and submitting a group or squadron insignia design for official approval undoubtedly seemed like one moreun-necessary task designed solely for the purpose of further tormenting the enlisted man. Actually the submission procedure wasrather simple, it just took time to process the applications and thisbecame especially true as the size of the Army Air Force increasedas the war progressed. Aside from the original intent connected withthe application procedure, mainly to review image content, un-official unit insignia lacks an empirical paper trail for the researcher tofollow. The squadron insignia of the 455th Bomb Squadron / 323rdBomb Group depicted at right is a perfect example of this problem. Depending upon the particular research source one consultsat least three different images are presented as the image displayedby this squadron during WWII. Fortunately in this case there isphotographic evidence to establish the correct image actually usedby the 455thBS and with the help of grey scale analysis the colors originally used can be fairly well established. This may seemlike a lot of trouble to go through for a single obscure insignia butwithout authoritative documentation it is the only way to insure asmuch historical accuracy as possible.
The vast majority of close-up aircraft photos taken during WWIIwere from a front angle, this perspective showing individual noseart to full advantage. Unfortunately for future historians however,the conclusive identifying tactical markings relating to unit assignment on most of these aircraft, and this is was especially true of themedium bombers, were located on the rear half of the aircraft
12
The images below represent mission markings and have notactical significance whatsoever. However due to the presenceof such markings on so many war time photographs, they arepresented here for the benefit of those readers who may not havea working understanding as to their purpose or meaning. Therewere other symbols utilized but these represent the most commonly used. Additionally, there were no precise configurationsadhered to when painting these markings to the fuselage of anygiven aircraft, therefore variations were common.
Yellow or white was the dominant choice of color for thesesymbols when applied to an olive drab surface. Red was sometimes also selected for use on both camouflaged and metal surfaces, however black paint was the dominant selection for mostapplications to a natural metal airframe.
The method of application varied greatly and ran the gambit ofmarkings crudely slapped on freehand with a brush by a groundcrew member lacking artistic skill, time or both, to still other examples painstakingly applied, sometimes using multiple colors.
PHOTO RECONNAISSANCE MISSION
VISUAL RECONNAISSANCE MISSION
BOMBING MISSION
Top COVER FORANY ALLIED AIRCRAFT
FIGHTER ESCORT MISSION USUALLYFOR EITHER BOMBERS OR TRANSPORTS
COMBAT PATROLOR FIGHTER SWEEP OF
ENEMY GROUND TARGETS
DECOY MISSION TO DIVERTENEMY FROM ACTUAL MISSION TARGET
As APPLIED TO A TRANSPORT,DENOTES A FREIGHT HAULING MISSION
....... :11.....• '!'
:~ ' .... ~... ... I..Ij....~.: .. ::::::::::· . . '.J!' .· ~~: ..~' .. : .,.~ :::
:..L:::' '.~." ".'... , . . .. ,
-;~i",y~"l];;\U .. i~.J::;'~t~\'t,~)'"i·.•:j":"';;·~i,fl""~":
~~t~1.····"·"!7~:
'''1*''':::~~:''''''.. l'~ ...::::::.~.~,....,.~-'
,I' .~-.
13
ON A FIGHTER OR BOMBER, DENOTESA SUCCESSFUL ATTACK ON A RAILWAYAKA; 'CHATTANOOGA MISSION'
DEPICTS A COMBINED BOMBINGAND STRAFING OPERATION
USED TO SYMBOLIZE A RESUPPLYDROP TO ALLIED GROUND FORCES
INDICATES DEPLOYMENTOF AIRBORNE TROOPS
TURNAROUND; A MISSION ABORTEDDUE TO WEATHER CONDITIONS ORMECHANICAL PROBLEMS
MEDICAL EVACUATIONOF THE WOUNDED
COMBAT DEPLOYMENT
OF GLIDER FORCE
ALso ON A TRANSPORT, EACH BOX CARBEHIND A LOCOMOTIVE REPRESENTSAN ADDITIONAL FREIGHT MISSION
14
,
A Elf HOHE FOB THE l I 1'HThe transfer of the Ninth AA F from the Mediterranean to
ngland entailed much more that adjusting to a change ofclimate, it included massive re-sizing and reorganization. Asstated in the introduction the mission goals set for the Ninthwere; I.) Gain and maintain air superiority 2.) Disrupt enemylines of transportation / communicatibn and 3.) Attack enemyground forces in cooperation with our own ground units.
Unlike their brothers in the Eighth AAF, which consistentlyutilized both color and patterns as a means of unit recognition,the same can not be said of the Ninth.
One reason, at least in part, for this low profile approach maybe attributed, and rightfully so, to the close proximity of manycombat units within the Ninth to enemy forces. This would alsoprovide a plausible explanation as to the virtual absence of anysquadron insignia on combat aircraft operating with the Ninth.
The use of such devices had of course long been discouragedin the European Theater, the theory being that such a displaywould give the enemy valuable intelligence, ie. unit assignment, place of origin, etc. It apparently never occurred to someof the great minds at S-2 that thanks to their agents within theBritish Isles, the Werhmacht probably had comprehensive lists
~f~Z;~!~~t ofAmerican squadron fuselage letter codes distributed throughout
all of occupied Western Europe and the Fatherland before mostof these units had completed their transitional training.
In all fairness to the boys of the Intelligence Branch, andperhaps more to the point, is the fact that unlike their strategiccounterparts within the Eighth AAF, effective tactical operations such as those conducted by both the Ninth and British
Second Tactical Air Force required engaging theenemy quickly and for as long a period as possible. Quiteobviously, the closer you are to your opponent the easier't is to achieve these two goals, and thus we come towhat the RAF referred to as Advanced Landing Grounds(ALG's) more commonly known within the USAAF as
orward Air Fields. Operating conditions at many ofhese facilities were basic at best, particularly during the
first few months following the Normandy landings. Thelength of time a unit might spend at one of these ALG's-------_~ could be little more than a matter
of days. A lack of both time.......~.and materials may well have
'~:!,~,."~,",,~';4...been the prevailing factors for theNinth Army Air Forces comparatively austere aircraft tacticalmarking system.
At t e eIg to Its power unng t e war t e mtconsisted of eleven bomb groups, eighteen fighter groups, fourteen transportation groups, tworeconn ai ssancegroups, fiveanti-aircraft battalions and fourfull battalionsof combat engineers.
This doesnot factor in themultitude of additional special op- ~".iierations and support units necessary tokeeping the planes aloft. On any givenday the Ninth would have an averageof 2,000 combat aircraft sortied, andthis is where the importance of tactical
markings came into play. The two ~~~:7"~:!!!====iilletter SD-ll 0 code system for grouprecognition developed by the RAF hadalready been adopted by the Army AirForces in the European as well as Mediterranean Theaters. ISome commanding officers however felt the need to addthe use of color recognition to the mix and five groups subsequently included the use of distinctive graphic patterns totheir inventory of tactical markings.
Initially, most fighters of the Ninth displayed only thestandard Allied Quick Identification Markings (QEM's), theexception to this were those groups equipped with the P-38Lightning. Those units had previously adopted geometric symbols as a means of squadron identification and this practice wascontinued subsequent to their transfer to Great Britain. ~ W'
There does not appear to have been any specific regulationin effect within the structure of the Ninth regarding the useof recognition patterns on combat aircraft, and this applies tothe bombardment groups as well as the fighters.
15
Photos-top to bottom:No.1: AA Battery of the51st Brigade / X/X TAC.No.2: 404thFG takes upresidence at a formerLuftwaffe hanger at St.Trond camouflaged toresemble French barn.No.3: Some ofthe resultsof the GAF OperationBodenplatte, News YearsDay, 1945.No.4: American aircrewsset up shop among thewreckage at a capturedLuftwaffe airbase.
TheAllies could afford tosustain their losses, the Luftwaffe could not. The only real impactof this GAF effort were increased Allied air perimeter patrols anda quick coat of Olive Drab No.4l applied to upper airframe andwing surfaces.
and stealth, not camouflage, were the key factors to a fighteraircraft's chance of survi ving an aerial attack on enemy heldpositions. Hit hard and fast, than get out of the area. All othermethods of attack were an open invitation to disaster.
The Germans of course understood this tactic as well as theAllies and on January 1st, 1945 the Luftwaffe launched what
was to be thelast major airoffensive onthe Westernfront, and infact the war.After action reportsdrafted bythe ArmyAir Force estimated thatbetween 700
and 800 German warplanes attacked American Ninth and British Second TAF bases near Brussels, Eindhoven and Metzdestroying an estimated 127 Allied aircraft. The price of thisraid was high however with GAF losses estimate'd at 460combat aircraft.
The initial application of nose and tail unit marker patterns wasobviously time consuming, especially with some of the morecomplex designs. Add to this equation the very basic, sometimesprimitive working conditions, supply problems coupled withthe ever present danger of enemy attacks, it is easy to speculateas to why more elaborate unit identification methods were notemployed by forward units of the Ninth. To thepilots, air and ground crews alike, their newbest friends became the anti-aircraft gunners
assigned to defend their forward air fields. The~"~~~~J;:::i~~=s~~.~Luftwaffe may have been down but theyr:.~~~.~~~~;;~~~i~iiiwere most certainly not out and continued toattack Allied forward air fields at every possi bleopportunity.
These ALG's were of two varieties. The firstbeing former Luftwaffe airfields that had beenoverrun by American or British ground forces andcon verted to Allied use. Some of these faci Iitiesconsisted of very creati ve and elaborate schemessuch as the one depicted above. In this case thehanger in the background has been camouflaged tolook like a typical French farmstead.
The second and morenumerous type consistedof air strips createdby combat engineers,specialists who'sprimary function wasto constantly createoperational air facilities inclose proximity to enemylines. So close in fa c twere these ALG's itthose enemy lines that bothRAP and AAF personnelwere at times subjectedto ground fire in additionto the aerial attack.
This situationbrought back withinsome of these forwardfighter units a brief reintroduction of camouflage paint to airframes. Some of theseapplications were to the upper surface areas only, leaving theunder wing and fuselage surfaces in a natural metal finish. Bythis time it had become pretty much widely accepted that speed
16
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17
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obriquet: unknownCampaign Streamers:
ntisubmarine, American Theater; Air Offensive, Europe;ormandy; Northern France; Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace;
Central Europe.Unit Decorations:Distinguished Unit Citation - France, 1-Sep-44; Germany,12-Apr-45; Order of the Day - Belgian Army, 1-0ct-44,18-Dec-44 thru 15-Jan-45Overseas Combat Commanders:Lt.Col. Van H. Slayden; 12-Jan-44 thru Apr-45Lt.Col. Paul P. Douglas ,JR.; Arp-45 thru V-E DayOverseas Stations:No.418 I Kingsnorth, Kent; Apr-44 thru Jul-44A-16 I Brunchville, Basse-Normandie Jul-44 thru Aug-44A-35 I Le Mans, Pays-de-Ia-Loire; Aug-44 thru Sep-44A-76 I Athis, Champagne-Ardenne; Sep-44 thru Oct-44A-68 I Juvincourt, Champagne-Ardenne; Oct-458-68 I Le Culot, Walls gewest; Oct-44 thru Mar-45Y-46 I Aachen, Nordrhein-Westphalia; Mar-45 thru Apr-45Y-62 I Niedermennig, Nordrhein-Westphalia; Apr-45R-12 I Kassel/Rothwesten, Hessen; Apr-44
Kingsnorth AlFAAF Station 418
Brucheville AlFAAF Station A-16
LeMansAlFAAF Station A-35
AthisA/FAAF StationA-76
9Walt Disney Productions
19
INSIGNIA / MARKINGS:Group Insignia:officially approved on 19-Jun-40Squadron Insignia:22d FS: officially approved 27-Jan-4523d FS: officially approved 23-Sep-4353d FS: officially approved 25-0ct-43
The image at right wasthe original insignia when thisunit was still designated as the22d Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor)
Squadron Codes:22dFS - 3T • 23dFS - 7U • 53dFS - 6VA horizontal bar below these codes denotedan individual aircrafts 'second-in squadron' status.Squadron Colors:22dFS - Red • 23dFS - White • 53dFS - BlueAircraft Markings:Respective squadron colors applied to engine cowling and tailrudder. Squadron codes and aircraft call-letter appeared blackon metal surfaces, white on Olive Drab painted finishes. Metalfinishes were dominate within the 36th Fighter Group.
KasseU Rothwestern AlFAAF Station R-12
NiedennennigAlFAAF Station ](62
AachenAlFAAF Station ](46
]uvincourt AlFAAF Station A-68
r r - r rIJh®rnurnrn ®rn(])(IDrPr: r
ASSIGNED 9TH USAAF/MARCH i 944
,
492D
FIGHTERSQUADRON
493D
FIGHTERSQUADRON
494TH
FIGHTERSQUADRON
20
48th Fighter Group:Motto: Vulneratus Non Victus
(Unconquered Even Though Wounded)Sobriquet: unknownCampaign Streamers:
Iltisubmarine, American Theater; Air Offensive, Europe;ormandy; Northern France; Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace;entral Europe.
Unit Decorations:Distinguished Unit Citation - Germany, 6-Dec-44Order of the Day, Belgium Army - 6-Jun - 30-Sep 1944,I-Oct - 14-Dec 1944, 18-Dec44 - IS-Jan 1945.Belgian FourragereOverseas Combat Commanders:Col. George L. Wertenbaker, 23-Apr-44 thru Oct-44Col. James K. Johnson, Oct-44 thru V-E DayOverseas Stations:No.347 Ibsley, Hampshire; 29-Mar-44A-4 Deux Jumeaux, Basse-Normandie; 18-Jun-44.A-42D Villacoublay, Ile-de-France; 29-Apr-44A-74 Cambrai-Niergnies, Nord-Pas-De-Calais; 15-Sep-44A-92 St. Trond, Province Limburg; 30-Sep-44Y-54 Kelz, Nordrhein-Westphalia; 29-Mar-45R-12 Kassel-Rothwestern, Hessen; 17-Apr-45R-JO IlIesheim, Bavaria Bayern; 29-Apr-45
IbsleyA/FAAF Station 347
Deux ]umeaux AlFAAF Station A-4
Villacoublay A/FAAF Station A-42D
21
Insignia / Markings:Group Insignia:officially approved on 12-Jan-42.Squadron Insignia:492d FS (formerly the 55thBS); fficially approved 25-Feb-43.493d FS (formerly the56thBS); officially approved 24-Dec-41.494th FS (formerly the 57thBS); officially approved 22-Aug-44.
493d FBS (alternate):The insignia shown at right was an unofficial replacement for the approvedimage depicted on the facing page. Thisdesign was adopted by the squadron priorto the overseas deployment of the 48thFG.
Squadron Codes:492d FS - F4 • 493d FS - 17 • 494th FS - 6MSquadron Colors:492d FS - Red • 493d FS - Blue • 494th FS - YellowAircraft Markings:Group marker; alternating red & white checker-boardpattern with squares measuring approximately six inches.A red 'check' pattern was often the single color used whenapplied to a natural metal finish. Respective squadron colorswere applied to both engine cowling and tail rudder. Thesemarkings appear to have been introduced in late'44, early '45.
Illesheim AlFAAF Station R-IO
Kassel/ Rothwestern AlFAAF Station R-12
KelzAlFAAF Station ~54
St. TrondAlFAAF StationA-92
Cambrai/Niergnies AlFAAF StationA-74
(",.. r- ,. .. ('
r
r
ASSIGNED 9iH USAAF/APmi 1944
, r
;; §3CDmJ''''('''err''''''',r rrr-r~rtf'('''t''
< < r llt1J®IIJI:Pll[B-@[ECDl]JIP.I.-..:-;r"::-".:
10TH
FIGHTERSQUADRON
81ST
FIGHTERSQUADRON
==~::::I.
313TH
FIGHTERSQUADRON
22
1)-i17 "I'IIIJNnl~IUIOI.:I"
50th Fighter Group:Motto: Master Of The SkySobriquet: Sky MastersCampaign Streamers:Antisubmarine, American Theater; Air Offensive, Europe;Normandy; Northern France; Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace;Central Europe.Unit Decorations:Distinguished Unit Citations - ETa, 13 - 20 March 1945;Germany, 25-Apr-45Order of the Day, Belgium Army - 6-June thru 30 September1944.Overseas Combat Commanders:Col. William D. Greenfield, I-Dec-43 thru Nov-44.Col. Harvey L. Case, Jr., Nov-44 thru V-E DayOverseas Stations:No.551 Lymington, Hampshire; 5-Apr-44A-10 Carentan, Basse Normandie; 25-Jun-44A-17 Meautis, Basse Normandie; 16-Aug-44A-47 Orly, I1e-de-France; 4-Sep-44A-69 Laon / Athies, Picardie; 28-Sep-44Y-6 Lyon / Bron, Rhone-Alpes; 28-Sep-44A-96 Toul / achey, Lorraine; 3-Nov-44Y-90 Giebelstadt, Bavaria Bayern; 20-Apr-45
Lymington AlFAAF Station 551
Carentan AlFAAF Station A-10
MeautisAlFAAF StationA-17
OrlyAlFAAF StationA-17
Laon /Athies AIFAAF Station A-69
Insignia / Markings:Group Insignia:officially approved on 9-Jan-42.
Squadron Insignia:10th FS; unofficial, details lacking
81st FS: unknown
313th FS; officially approved l6-Nov-42.
Squadron Codes:
10thFS-T5 • 81stFS-2N • 313thFS-W3
Squadron Colors:492d FS - (unkwn) • 493d FS - (unkwn) • 494th FS - (unkwn)
Aircraft Markings:Other than the standard white or black United Kingdom Quick
Identification Markings (QIM's) and the individual squadron
codes, there does not appear to be any distinguishing tactcal
markings associated with this unit during the war. There is some
indication that the 50th did adopt some form of Group marking
characteristics towards the end of hostilities. Definitive evidence
regarding this issue is as yet forthcoming however, and thus the
existing profile regarding this units markings remain as stated.
GiebelstadtAIFAAFStation ~90
10ul / Ochey AlFAAF StationA-96
Lyon / Bron AlFAAF Station ~6
23
,
". r (" ,. ,. r ( ( ". ... ,.. f"
r ,
r
:33§34J~
:' ::~tJ®rnU1]rn~tBCDl]jW-:c-'-::...-,...:..,..',:, r
ASSIG~ED 9lli irS! /N6VEMBER 1943
.....----." t' r ~,. f" f" ('"~ ~.
353D
FIGHTERSQUADRON
'THEFIGHTING COBRAS'
355TH
FIGHTERSQUADRON
'THEPUGNACIOUS PUPS'
356TH
FIGHTERSQUADRON
'THERED ASSES'
24
I)-51 ')nJS'l'llNf~' / 1)-L.7~ ''1'IIIJNmm,mn:I''
354th Fig ter Group:motto: Valor In CombatSobriquet: The Pioneer Mustang GroupCampaign Streamers:Air Offensive, Europe; Normandy; Northern France;Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe.Unit Decorations:Distinguished Unit Citation - ETO, Dec-43 thru 15-May-44;France, 25-Aug-44.French Croix de Guerre with Palm, I-Dec-43 thru 31-Dec-44.Overseas Combat Commanders:Col.Kenneth R. Martin, 25-Nov-42Col. James H. Howard, 12-Feb-44Col. George R. Bickell, c.Apr -44Overseas Stations:No.486 Greenham Common, Berkshire; c.Nov -43No.150 Boxted, Essex; c.Nov-43No.410 Lashenden, Kent; c.Apr-44A-2 Criqueville, Basse-Normandiec.Jun-44A-31 Gael, Bretagne; c.Aug-44A-66 Orconte, Champagne-Ardennee; Sep-44A-98 Rosieres en Haye
(aka. Meurthe-en-Moselle), Lorraine; I-Dec-44Y-64 Ober Olm, Hessen; 8-Apr-45R-45 Ansbach, Bavaria Bayern; 30-Apr-45R-29 Herzogenaurach, Bavaria Bayern; c.May-45
•
Greenham Common AlFAAF Station No.486
BoxtedAiFAAF Station No. 150
Lashenden AlFAAF Station No.410
Criqueville AlFAAF StationA-2
GaelAIFAAF Station A-31
"
4EJ~~EJ()7
Insignia / Markings:Group Insignia:officially replaced I8-0ct-57Squadron Insignia:353d FS; officially replaced 27-Aug-57355th FS; officially replaced 25-Jun-57365th FS; officially replaced 25-Jun-57Squadron Codes:353d FS - FT • 355th FS - CQ • 346th FS - AJSquadron Colors:353d FS - Yellow • 355th FS - Blue • 356th FS - RedAircraft Markings:
Photographic evidence would indicate that the 354th FighterGroup initially relied solely upon two-letter RAF style SD-110tactical codes for squadron identification during that unitsearly deployment in Great Britain. The first twelve inches ofthe forward engine cowling, spinner, as well as the fuselage callletter and squadron code were painted in accordance with theAllied Quick Identification Markings present on each respective aircraft, i.e., White on two-color camouflaged airframes,,Black on natural metal finishes. The use of colors and nose;J~tierns as an additional means of squadron identificationdoes not seem to have come into widespread use until the354th's conversion to the Thunderbolts (see pages 26-27) .
Herzogenaurach AlFAAF Station R-29
AnsbachAiFAAF Station R-45
Ober OlmAiFAAF Station r:64
Rosieres en Haye AIFAAF Station A-98
OrconteAlFAAF Station A-66
25
In November 1944 the 354th Fighter Group was notifiedthat the entire unit was to convert from their much loved P-5lMustangs to the P-47 Thunderbolt. Disgruntled, but obedient to orders, the entire group undertook transitional trainingand soon took to the air with their replacement aircraft. Forwhatever reason this conversion was not to last long and byFebruary 1945 the pilots of all three squadrons were onceagain behind the controls of their beloved P-5l Mustangs.
26
Below are two variations of 353dFS tactical nose markingswhich appeared on that squadrons P-4Ts during the brief periodwhich they were flown. The image on the cowling of the loweraircraft was not an official squadron designator.
The evolution of tactical markings for this squadrons P51's are represented by the images above and to the immediate left. When the 354th Fighter Group was refitted againwith this type of aircraft the 'sawtooth' pattern was droppedand the entire nose section was simply painted a solid yellow with no additional patterning (refer to top of page 25).
The larger surface area of the squadrons replacementThunderbolts proved an ideal format for the application ofa rather dynamic variation of the 355th's original checkerboard nose marker pattern. When reviewing war time blackand white photographic images of this unit it appears thata diluted shade of Insignia Blue was almosy universallyapplied throughout this squadron. Thisshade would have been obtained bythe simple addition of white to thestandard. ix of AAF blue paint.
As near as can be determined it appears that when all threesquadrons of the 354th Fighter Group transitioned back totheir original P-51 Mustangs, the more complex tactical markings as seen on these pages were discarded in favor of a simplesolid color application. This would have consisted of a respective squadron color being applied as a solid to both spinnerand forward engine cowling areas. This was undoubtedly dueto the mobile nature of this unit during the final months of thewar. Like so many other tactical fighter groups comprising theNinth AAF, the 354th found itself shuffled from one AdvancedLanding Ground (ALG) after another from D-Day to V-E Day.A lack of both time and resources inherent in many ofthese forward bases dictated a policy of relative simplicity.
27
-4Ei~~888
ffimJ~ :::IYn®m~iliOJ-<~mcD&tp :~- :,:
- CALL SIGN "TAP DANCE' <,.. ~ r (' ,.. r (' r" r (" ,.
ASSIGNED 9TJ{ US F/JANUARY 1944~"(rrf"rr-rrorf'" .rr' t;r;"'''-rr,.
,. ,. r ,.
365TH
FIGHTERSQUADRON
366TH
FIGHTERSQUADRON
28
367TH
FIGHTERSQUADRON
1)-L17 ,rl'InJNnl~IUIOI."I"
358th Fighter Group:Motto: With Sword And Wings
obriquet: Orange Tailsampaign Streamers:
American Theater; Air Offensive, Europe; Normandy;Northern France; Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe.Unit Decorations:Distinguished Unit Citation - Ardennes, 24-Dec-44 thru 2-Jan-45;
TO. 19 thru 20-Mar-45; Germany, 8 thru 25-Apr-45; Frenchroix de Guerre with Palm.
Overseas Combat Commanders:ol.Cecil L.Wells, I-Jan-4301. James B. Tipton, 20-Jan-44
Overseas Stations:*No.345 Goxhill, Lincolnshire; 20-0ct-43*No.373 Leiston, Suffolk; c.Nov -43*No.J57 Raydon, Suffolk; 31-Jan-44No.4]] High Halden, Kent; 13-Apr-44A-14 Crettesville, Basse-Normandie; 3-Jul-44A-28 Pontorson, Bretagne; 14-Aug-44A-67 Vitry-Ie-Francois, Champagne-Ardenne; 14-Sep-44A-80 MOUl-melon, Chanpagne-Ardenne; 16-0ct-44A-90 Toul, Lorraine; 9-Nov-44Y-79 Mannheim-Sandhoven, Baden-Wuerttemberg; 2-Apr-45*Duty stations with Eighth AAF.
GoxhillAlFAAF Station No.345
LeistonAlFAAF Station No.373
RaydonAlFAAF Station No. 157
High Halden AlFAAF Station No.411
29
Insignia / Markings:Group Insignia:officially replaced 28-Jul-54Squadron Insignia:365th FS; no documentation located.366th FS; officially approved 6-Sep-43.367th FS; officially approved I-Mar-44.Squadron Codes:355th FS - CH • 366th FS - IP • 347th FS - CPSquadron Colors:365th FS - White • 366th FS - Yellow • 367th FS - Red
Aircraft Markings:In the latter part of 1944 the 358thFG adopted their dis
tinctive tactical marking. By combining what appears to beequal parts Insignia Red and White paint the resulting highlyvisual orange color was applied to the entire rear tail sectionwhich included both upper and lower horizontal tail surfaces.
The results leave absolutely no speculation as to whythe 358th Fighter Group came to be known as the OrangeTails. The aircraft canopy frame was often similarly painted.
The red cowling was followed by the respective squadroncolor. Any decorative application to the cowling flaps werean individual application with no official tactical significance.
::.:::=::;#===~~Mourmelon-le-G,.andAlFAAF Station A-80
ToulA/FAAF Station A-90
Mannheim/Sandhoven AlFO===:;:: AAF Station .Y--79
Vitry-le-Francois AlFAAF Station A-67
Pontorson AlFAAF Station A-28
Cretteville AlFAAF StationA-14
XIX TAC100TH
FIGHTER WING(AUGUST 1944)
IXTAC70TH
FIGHTER WING(DECEMBER 1943)
r c: r ('
ASSIGNED 9TH US F/NoVEMBER 1943r < I< r
t"'rr"'t"~rr"'''''~ ( ('r, r-,.t""~r'"
,. t': f" ,.
377TH
FIGHTERSQUADRON
30
378TH
FIGHTERSQUADRON
379TH
FIGHTERSQUADRON
1)-L17 'TlnJNJ)I~IUIOI:1"
362d Fighter Group:Motto: unknown
Sobriquet: Mogin's Maulers
Campaign Streamers:American Theater; Air Offensive, Europe; Normandy;
orthern France; Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe.
Unit Decorations:Distinguished Unit Citation - Brest, 25Aug44; Moselle-Rhine
River Triangle, 16-Mar-45.
Overseas Combat Commanders:
Col.Morton D. Magoffin, I-Mar-43
Col. Joseph L Laughlin, 1O-Aug-44
Overseas Stations:No. 159 / Wormingford, Essex; 30-Nov-43
No.412 / Headcorn, Kent; 13-Apr-44
A-12 / Lignerolles, Basse-Normandie; 2-Jul-44
A-27/ Rennes, Bretagne; 10-Aug-44
A-79 / Prosnes, Champagne-Ardenne; 19-5ep-44
A-82 (No.393) / Verdun (Rouvres), Lorraine; 5-Nov-44
Y-73 / Frankfurt/Rhine-Main, Hessen; 8-Apr-45
R-28 / Furth, Bavaria Bayern; 30-Apr-45
R-JO / Illesheim, Bavaria Bayern; 3-May-45•
WormingfordAlFAAF Station No. 159
Headcorn AlFAAF Station No.412
Lignerolles AlFAAF Station A-12
RennesAlFAAF Station A-27
Insignia / Markings:Group Insignia:No wartime insignia known to existSquadron Insignia:377th FS; officially approved 25-Aug-43378th FS; unofficial379th FS; unofficial.The image at right was developedfor the 321st FS and is believed tohave been designed by Cpt. GeorgeRarey. A commercial artist beforethe war, Rarey flew with the 379thFS and was killed in action in late 1944.Information concerning this design would be appreciated.Squadron Codes:377th FS - E4 • 378th FS - G8 • 379th FS - B8Squadron Colors:377th FS - Red • 378th FS - Green • 379th FS - YellowAircraft Markings:
Initially the 362d FS displayed no identifying markingsother than their individual squadron codes and the standardQIM's. Later, squadron colors were applied to the centralcowling area, the leading edge and tail tip were painted red.Patterns on cowling flaps were individual, not tactical in nature.
FurthAlFAAF Station R-28
e::::=::::::::=:=;:;;;;;! Frankfurt IRhine-Main AlFAAF Station Y.73
ProsnesAlFAAF Station A-79
31
,~r"'('f",..r,.rr rr"r,.,.r ""'''c
r
....-----,.. r r r ,.. ~ ,.. ~ (* ,.. ,.. ~ ;IDCBIDID r f (
!JO@illITrnill @illCDl]][P r
: : : ~ : ~'REDESIGN*TjED-363D;-rAffi~Ai ,': :, RECONNAISSANCE GROUP •
r I rr (4 SEPTEMBER 1944) .•. r r •
• r ASSIGNED 9:rH USAAFf JANUARY. 1944 'r ,..,. r
380TH
FIGHTERSQUADRON
381ST
FIGHTERSQUADRON
382D
FIGHTERSQUADRON
32
363d Fighter Group:Motto: unknownSobriquet: unknown'ampaign Streamers:ir Offensive, Europe; Normandy; Northern France;
Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe.nit Decorations:
Older of the Day, Belgian Army: 1-0ct-44, 18-Dec-44 thru15-Jan-45, Belgian Fourragere.Overseas Combat Commanders:Col. John R, Ulricson, 5-Jun-43Col. James B. Tipton, 7-May-44Ll.Col. James M. Smelley, I-Sep-44Overseas Stations:No.471 Keevil, Wiltshire; 23-Dec-43No.l28 Rivenhall, Essex; Jan-44
0,418 Staplehurst, Kent; Apr-44A-15 Maupertus, Basse Normandie; 4-Jul-44A-7 Azeville, Basse Normandie; Aug-44A-35 Le Mans, Pay-de-la-Loire; Sep-44(Refer to pages 134-135 for additional duty stations as theredesignated 363d Tactical Reconnaissance Group)Combat Operations:23-Feb-44 - 3-Sep-44
KeevilAlFAAF Station No.471
RivenhallAlFAAF Station No. 128
StaplehurstAlFAAF Station No.418
Insignia / Markings:Group Insignia:unknown; officially replaced 16-Jun-52Squadron Insignia:380th FS; unknown381st FS; unknown382d FS; unknown
Squadron Codes:380th FS - A9 • 381st - B3 • 382d FS - C3Squadron Colors:380th FS - Blue371st FS - Yellow383d FS - RedAircraft Markings:
Squadron colors were adopted by the 363rd but the use ofthese colors as tactical markings were confined to the propeller
spinner and the forward 12 inches of the engine cowling. Thestandard British style squadron codes and aircraft call letters were
of a standard location, White on camouflaged paint schemes, Blackon natural metal finishes, with a height of approximately 24 inches.
LeMansAlFAAF Station A-35
Azeville AlFAAF StationA-7
Maupertus AlFAAF StationA-15
33
~ , TpTI®rnUJ]ill ®rnCDlDlLP' r r
,< <
~ CALL SIG~: 'FROSTY,r, r:r ASSIGNED '9TH ;USAAF/DECEMBER i 943
,
386TH
FIGHTERSQUADRON
CALL SIGN 'PLASTIC'
387TH
FIGHTERSQUADRON
CALL SIGN 'BLUEBIRD'
388TH
FIGHTERSQUADRON
CALL SIGN 'ELWOOD'
34
1)-Lj,7 "l'InJNnl~IUIOI_'I"
- 1
365th Fighter Group:Moto: unknownSobriquet: The Hell HawksCampaign Streamers:American Theater; Air Offensive, Europe; Normandy;Northern France; Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe.Unit Decorations:Distinguished Unit Citation: Germany, 2l-0ct-44 and 20-Apr-45.Order of the Day, Belgium Army: 6-Jun-44 thru 30-Sep-44 and16-Dec-44 thru 25-Jan-45. Belgian Fourragere.Overseas Combat Commanders:Col. Lance Call, l5-May-43Col. Ray J.Stecker, 26-Jun-44Lt.Col. Robert C. Richardson III, 26-Apr-45Overseas Stations:No.154 Gosfield, Essex; 22-Dec-43No.408 Beaulieu, Hampshire; 5-Mar-44A-7 Azeville, Basse Normandie; 28-Jun-44'IA_12 Lignerolles, Basse Normandie; 2-Jul-44A-48 Bretigny, I1e-de-France; 3-Sep-44A-68 Juvincourt, Champagne-Ardenne; l5-Sep-44A-84 Chievres, Province de Hainaut; 4-0ct-44Y-34 Mentz, Lorraine; 27-Dec-44A-78 Florennes/Juzaine, Province de Namur; 30-Jan-45Y-46 Aachen, Nordrhein-Westphalia; l6-Mar-45Y-86 Fritzlar, Hessen; 13-Apr-451) recsmnaissance detachment only
GosfieldAiFAAF Station 154
Beaulieu AlFMF Station 408
Azeville AlFAAF Station A-7
Lignerolles AlFMF StationA-12
Bretigny AlFAAF Station A-48
Insignia / Markings:Group Insignia:officially replaced 6-0ct-54Although not officially approved, the Hell Hawks group insignia was widely used within all three squadrons of this unit.Squadron Insignia:386th FS; unknown387th FS; unknown388th FS; unknownSquadron Codes:386th FS - DS • 387th - B4 • 388th FS - C4Squadron Colors:386th FS - Red • 387th FS - Yellow • 388th FS - WhiteAircraft Markings:
Tactical aircraft recognition markings within this unit appearto have been limited to the application of the respective squadroncolor to the leading 12 inch surface area of the engine cowlingwith an accompanying red band of approximately the samewidth applied with red paint just forward of the cowling flaps.This latter device apparently served as the group color indicator.
Squadron codes were applied in the standard prescribedmanner i.e., white letters / numerals on camouflaged airframesurfaces and black on natural metal finishes.
Fritzlar AlFMF Station Y-86
AachenAiFAAF Station Y-46
Florennes/juzaine AIFAAF StationA-78
MentzAiFAAF Station Y-34
Chievres AIFAAF Station A-84
]uvincourt AlFAAF Station A-68
35
~IDCBCBmJ,.,.r- rr-r rr- (" r-r,. *'r
~ r 'lJIJ®rnrrrnrn-Cenn([)1]J[pr: r r
ASSIGNED 9TH: USAAF/)ANUARY '1944'"C''''''rf"C''' ,.. <,r~ f"rr,... c-"
389TH
FIGHTERSQUADRON
390TH
FIGHTERSQUADRON
391ST
FIGHTERSQUADRON
36
IJ-L17 "I'II1JNnlm,nOI.'I"
366th Fighter Group:Motto: unknownSobriquet: unknownCampaign Streamers:Air Offensive, Europe; Normandy; Northern France;Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe,Unit Decorations:Distinguished Unit Citation: Normandy, II-Jul-44, Orderof the Day, Belgium Army: 6-Jun-44 thru 30-Sep-44 and18-Dec-44 thru l5-Jan-45. Belgian Fourragere,Overseas Combat Commanders:Col. Dyke F. Meyer, ll-Jul-43Lt.Col. James P. Tipton, 19-Apr-44Lt.Col. Donald K. Bennett, 30-Apr-44Co. Harold N. Holt, 22-May-44Lt.Col. Ansel J. Wheeler, 28-Apr-45Overseas Stations:No.466 Membury, Berkshire; IO-Jan-44No.407 Thruxton, Hampshire; I-Mar-44A-1 St.Pierre du Mont, Basse Normandie; 17-Jun-44A-41 Dreux, Centre-Val-de-Loire; 24-Aug-44A-70 Laon / Couvron, Picardie; 8-Sep-44Y-29 Asch, Province Limburg; 19-Nov-44A-94 Munster / Handorf, Nordrhein-Westphalia; 4-0ct-44
MemburyAlFAAF Station 466
Thruxton AlFAAF Station 407
St. Pierre du Mont AlFAAF Station A-l
DreuxAIFAAF StationA-41
37
Insignia / Markings:Group Insignia:
officially replaced 6-0ct-54Squadron Insignia:389th FS; officially approved 13-Feb-45390th FS; officially replaced 6-0ct-55391st FS; unknown
Squadron Codes:389th FS - A6 • 390th FS - B2 • 391st FS - AS
Squadron Colors:386th FS-none
3787th FS - none388th FS - noneAircraft Markings:
Research to date indicates that the 366th Fighter Groupstactical aircraft markings consisted solely of the standard AlliedQuick Identification Markings accompanied by the respective squadron code applied with white paint on camouflaged
surfaces and black on natural metal finishes. Many of theP-4Ts within this group, however, did display a quite impressive assortment of well designed and executed nose art whichunfortunately falls outside the scope and confines of this text.
Munster IHand01fAIFAAF Station Y--94
AschAIFAAF Station Y--29
Laon /Couvron AlFAAF Station A-70
XIX TACTICALAIR COMMAND
(JANUARY 1945)
IXTAC70TH FIGHTER WING
(AUGUST 1944)
~ 83CB1fJ
--I)·:JU 'U.,I1'1'NIN.,' /1)-L.l7 ''1'IIIJNJ)J~UBOI;I''
:m
367th Fighter Group:Motto: unknownSobriquet: The Dynamite GangCampaign Streamers:Air Offensive, Europe; Normandy; Northern France;Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe.Unit Decorations:Distinguished Unit Citation - France, 25-Aug-44; Germany,19-Mar-45: Order of the Day, Belgium Army, 6-Jun-44 thru 30Sep-44, 16-Dec thru 25-Jan-45: Belgian Fourragere.Overseas Combat Commanders:Col. Charles M. Young, 22-Jan-44Col. Edwin S. Chickering, 9-Nov-44Overseas Stations:No.452 Stony Cross, Hampshirs; 5-Apr-44No.347 Lbsley, Hampshire; 6-Jul-44A-6 Beuzeville, Basse-Normandie; 22-Jul-44A-2 Criqueville, Basse-Normandie; 14-Aug-44A-44 Peray, Basse-Normandie; 4-Sep-44A-7J Clastres, Picardie; 8-Sep-44A-68 Juvincourt, Champagne-Ardenne; 28-0ct-44A-64 St. Dizier, Champagne-Ardenne; I-Feb-45A-94 Conflans, Lorraine; 14-Mar-45Y-74 Frankfurt / Eschborn, Hessen; 1O-Apr-45
Stony Cross AIFAAF Station 452
IbsleyAiFAAF Station 347
Beuzeville AlFAAF Station A-6
Criqueville AIFAAF Station A-2
PerayAiFAAF Station A-44
Insignia / Markings:Group Insignia:unknown.Squadron Insignia:392d FS; unofficial.393d FS; unknown.394th FS; officially approved 25-Feb-44.Squadron Codes:392d FS - H5 • 393d FS - 8L • 394th FS - 4NSquadron Colors:392d FS - Red • 393d FS - Blue • 394th FS - YellowAircraft Markings:
Most of the original P-38's within the _~~!!~:I367th FG displayed the last three .~!! (digits of each aircrafts respective . 1Pf::serial nu.mber on the ~u~ola 11: ;' S'.~Inose sectIOn. The stencil lInes . .inherent with these applicationswere rarely filled in. Use of the originalsquadron geometric symbols in squadroncolors was continued even after the 367th FGhad converted to P-47's. The entire engine cowling, includingflaps, was similarly painted with each squadrons color.
A bar under a call letter was used to denote if a particularaircraft was a second in series within any given squadron.
Frankfurt IEschborn AlFAAF Station ~74
St. DizierAlFAAF Station A-64
]uvincourtAlFAAF Station A-68
Clastres AlFAAF StationA-71
39
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:::: tFn~mTI'~rn-®rn(])(D1tP: ,'~ ::.r f' ('" ,.
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40
,
395TH
FIGHTERSQUADRON
396TH
FIGHTERSQUADRON
397TH
FIGHTERSQUADRON
1)-i17 "I'lnJNnl~UIJOI;I"
368th Fighter Group:Motto: unknownSobriquet: unknownCampaign Streamers:Air Offensive, Europe; Normandy; Northern France;Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe.Unit Decorations:Distinguished Unit Citation - France, 3-Sep-44: Order of theDay, Belgium Army - 6-Jun-44 thru 30-Sep-44, 16-Dec thru25-Jan-45: Belgian Fourragere.
Overseas Combat Commanders:Col. Gilbert L. Meyers, 3-Jun-43Col. Frank S. Perego, I-Nov-44Overseas Stations:No.486 Greenham Common, Berkshire; 13-Jan-44No.404 ChilboIton, Hampshire; 15-Mar-44A-3 Cardonville, Basse-Normandie; 20-Jun-44A-40 Chartes, Centre-Val-de-Loire; 23-Aug-44A-69 Laon / Athies, Picardie; 1l-Sep-44A-84 Chievres, Province de Hainaut; 2-0ct-44A-68 Juvincourt, Champagne-Ardenne; 27-Dec-44Y-34 Metz / Frescathy, Lorraine; 5-Jan-45Y-73 Frankfurt-Rhein-Main, Hessen; 15-Apr-45
Greenham CommonAIP~~==,-AAP Station 486
Chilbolton AlPAAF Station 404
Cardonville AlPAAF Station A-3
ChartesAIPAAF Station A-40
Laon IAthies AlPAAF Station A-69
41
Insignia / Markings:Group Insignia:unknown. (The image depicted on the facing page was actuallysignage posted over the entrance of 368th FG Headquartersand not an insignia per se).Squadron Insignia:395th FS; unofficial. (sobriquet; Panzer Dusters).396th FS; unknown. This image may well be post war in originbut is included within this text as there are conflicting claims atthis time. (sobriquet; Thunder Bums).397th FS; Approved 13-Apr-44. (sobriquet; Jabo Angles).Squadron Codes:395th FS - A7 • 396th FS - C2 • 397th FS - D3Squadron Colors:395th FS - Red • 396th FS - Yellow • 397th FS - BlueAircraft Markings:
The 398thFG does not appear to have employed squadroncolors on any camouflaged P-47 assigned to that unit, relyinginstead on standard white QIM's. Engine cowlings as well aspropeller spinners were painted in squadron '• ....~""""'!5__
colors on virtually all of the . I ~
368th FG's natural metal -r;~~ii~~~l~h~...finished Thunderbolts. "1
Additionally, canopies & tailbraces were sometimes painted insquadron colors. The top area of the tailfins were painted with the groups yellow identification color.
Prankfurt-Rhein-Main AlPAAF Station y..73
Metz IPrescaty AlPAAF Station Y-34
Chievres AlPAAP Station A-84
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ASSIGNED 9TJf USAAF/JANUARY 1944,. r (' ,. ,.. r ,. ,. (' , ... ,. l' ,. t' ,. ,.. , r ,.
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401ST
FIGHTERSQUADRON
402D
FIGHTERSQUADRON
485TH
FIGHTERSQUADRON
42
I)-an 'UCJIITNINCJ' /1)-51 '~nJS'l'l'NCJ'
370th Fighter GrollMotto: unknownSobriquet: unknownCampaign Streamers:Air Offensive, Europe; Normandy; Northern France;Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe.Unit Decorations:Distinguished Unit Citation Hurtgen Forest, Germany, 2-Dec-44;Order of the Day, Belgium Army 6-Jun-44 thru 30-Sep-44,I-Oct -44 and 16-Dec-44 thru 25-Jan-45; Belgian Fourragere.Overseas Combat Commanders:Col. Howard F. Nichols, I-Jul-43Lt. Col. Seth J. McGee, 6-Nov-44Col. Morgan A. Griffin, 22-Feb-45Overseas Stations:No. 467 Aldermaston, Berkshire; 12-Feb-44No. 406 Andover, Hampshire; 29-Feb-441\-3 Cardonville, Basse Normandie; 24-Jul-441\-19 La Vielle, Basse Normandie; 15-Aug-441\-45 Lomay, Basse Normandie; 6-Sep-441\-73 Roye / Amy, Picardie; 1l-Sep-441\-78 Florennes / Juxaine, Province de Namur; 26-Sep-44Y-32 Ophoven / Zwartberg, Province Limburg; 27-Jan-45
Y-99 Gutersloh, Nordrhein-Westphalia; 20-Apr-45
Aldermaston AIFAAF Station 467
AndoverAiFAAF Station 406
Cardonville AIFAAF Station A-3
La Vielle AlFAAF Station A-19
LonrayAiFAAF Station A-45
Insignia / Markings:Group Insignia: unknown.Squadron Insignia:401 st FS; unofficial.402d FS; unofficial.485th FS; officially approved 20-Mar-45. -~
402d FS (1st design):The 370th FG first arrived in Englandequipped with P-47 Thunderbolts butthese were immediately replaced withP-38 Lightnings. The insignia shownat right was displayed by the 402d FSprior to the conversion of the entiregroup to the Lightning and reflects theThunderbolts characteristic four prop assembly.Squadron Codes:401 st FS - 9D • 402d FS - E6 • 485th FS - 7FSquadron Colors:492d FS - Red / Yellow493d FS - Red / White494th FS - Red / BlueAircraft Markings:P-38 markings were standard for ETa. The 370thFG did nottransition to the P-51 Mustang until the final weeks of the war.
OphovenAiFAAF Station I:32
Florennes I]uxaine AIFAAF Station A-78
RoyelAmyAIFAAF StationA-73
43
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44
404TH
FIGHTERSQUADRON
405TH
FIGHTERSQUADRON
406TH
FIGHTERSQUADRON
1)-L17 ,rl'InJNJ)I~IUIOI:I"
371st Fighter GroupMotto: unknown
Sobriquet: unknown
Campaign Streamers:
Air Offensive, Europe; Normandy; Northern France;
Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe.
Unit Decorations:
Distinguished Unit Citation- Germany, 15-Mar-44 thru
2l-Mar-44; Order of the Day, Belgium Army-6-Jun-44
thru 30-Sep-44.
Overseas Combat Commanders:
Col. Bingham T. Kleine, 27-Jul-43
Overseas Stations:
No.415 Bisterne Close, Hampshire; Mar-44
A-6 Beuzeville, Basse Normandie; Jun-44
A-65 Perthes, Lorraine; 18-Sep-44
Y-7 Dole / Tavaux, Franche-Comte; 1-0ct-44
Y-l Tantonville, Lorraine; 20-Dec-44
Y-34 Metz, Lorraine; 15-Feb-45
Y-74 Frankfurt / Eschborn, Hessen; 7-Apr-45
R-JO Furth, Bavaria Bayern; 5-May-45
Bisterne Close AlFAAF Station 415
Beuzeville AlFAAF Station A-6
PerthesAIFAAF Station A-65
DolelTavaux AIFAAF Station f: 7
Insignia / Markings:Group Insignia: unknown.Squadron Insignia:404th FS; unofficial.405th FS; unofficial.406th FS; unofficialThe design shown at right is reputedto be the unofficial insignia belongingto Headquarters Squadron, 371st FighterGroup. The art work has all the earmarksof Disney Studios, however additionalresearch is needed to determine its actual origins.Squadron Codes:404tht FS - 9Q • 405th FS - 8N • 406th FS - 4WSquadron Colors:404th FS - Red405th FS - Blue, medium406th FS - YellowAircraft Markings:
All squadrons of the 371st FG applied their respective colorto the entire cowling area of their Thunderbolts. Some wartime photographs exist which show that various paints wereadditionally applied to the cowling flaps. Documentation iscurrently lacking however that would determine the extentand specific tactical purpose of such applications, if any at all.
FurthAiFAAF Station R-IO
Frankfurt IEschborn AlPAAF Station Y--74
MetzAiFAAF Station f:34
Tantonville AIFAAF Station f:1
45
303RD
FIGHTER WING
(MARCH 1944)
XIXTACTICAL
AIR COMMAND
(JANUARY 1944)
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410TH
FIGHTERSQUADRON
411TH
FIGHTERSQUADRON
46
412TH
FIGHTERSQUADRON
1)-L17 ''I'II(JNnl~IUIOI:1''
373d Fighter Group:Motto: unknown
Sobriquet: unknownCampaign Streamers:Air Offensive, Europe; Normandy; Northern France;Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe.
Unit Decorations:Distinguished Unit Citation, Rhine River, 2-Mar-45;French Croix de Guerre with Palm, Aug-44;Order of the Day, Belgium Army - I-Oct-44 and 18-Dec-44
thru 15-Jan-45: Belgian Fourragere.
Overseas Combat Commanders:Col. William H. Schwartz Jr., 25-Aug-43Col. James C. McGehee, 17Nov44
Overseas Stations:No.419 Woodchurch, Kent; 4-Apr-44A-J3 Tour en Bassin, Basse-Normandie; 19-Jul-44A-29 St. James, Pays-de-Ia-Loire; 19-Aug-44
A-62D Reims, Champagne Ardenne; 19-5ept-44Y-lO Le Culot, Province de Brabant; 22-0ct-44Y-55 Venlo, Provincie Limburg; ll-Mar-45Y-98 Lippstadt, Nordrhein-Westphalia; 20-Apr-45
Woodchurch AlFAAF Station 419
Tour en Bessin AlFAAF Station A-13
St. James AlFAAF Station A-29
Reims/Champagne AlFAAF Station A-62D
Insignia / Markings:Group Insignia: unofficial.Squadron Insignia:410th FS; unknown.
411th FS; unknown.412th FS; unofficial and in need of corroboration. Little isknown about this design. This is an example of the type
of image that surfaces while in the process of researching'visually' obscure units such as the 373rd Fighter Group.It is included herein because it appears to be of WWIIvintage but could conceivably fall into the post war era.
Squadron Codes:410th FS - R3 • 411th FS - 9U • 412th FS - V5
Squadron Colors:
410th FS - unknown411 th FS - unknown412th FS - unknownAircraft Markings:
Other than the obligatory squadron codes and the Allied
Quick Identification Markings, research into the 373d FG hasfailed to reveal any additional tactical markings of any kind.
LippstadtAlFAAF Station Y-98
VenloAiFAAF Station Y-55
47
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CALi SIGNS: 'PR VEImJ LATcERr'OGEAN~ r, .f' r (" ,.
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48
,
506TH
FIGHTERSQUADRON
CALL SIGNS'TUBA' LATER 'PINTAIL'
507TH
FIGHTERSQUADRON
CALL SIGNS'NEPTUNE' LATER 'CROCUS'
508TH
FIGHTERSQUADRON
CALL SIGNS'ROBERT' LATER 'GRANITE'
1)-i17 ''1'H(JNnl~IUIOI.'I''
404th Fighter Group:Motto: unknown
Sobriquet: unknown
Campaign Streamers:American Theater: Air Offensive, Europe; Normandy; Northern
France; Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe.
Unit Decorations:Distinguished Unit Citation - Germany, lO-Sep-44; French
Croix de Guerre with Palm, 29 thru 31-Jul-44;
Order of the Day, Belgium Army - 6-Jun-44 thru 30-Sep-44,
I-Oct-44 and 18-Dec-44 thru 15-Jan-45: Belgian Fourragere.
Overseas Combat Commanders:Col. Carrol W. McColpin, 27 Jan 44
Lt. Col. Leo C. Moon, 25-Nov-44
Lt. Col. John R. Murphy, 23-Apr-45
Overseas Stations:No.414 Winkton, Hampshire; 4-Apr-44
A-5 Chippelle, Basse Normandie; 6-Jul-44
A-48 Bretigny, IIe-de-France; 29-Aug-44
A-68 Juvincourt, Champagne-Ardenne; 13-Sept-44
A-92 St. Trond, 1-0ct-44
Y-54 Kelz, Province Limburg; 30-Mar-45
Y-86 Fritzlar, Hessen; 12-Apr-45~
WinktonA/FAAF Station No.414
Chippelle AlFAAF Station A-5
Bretigny AlFAAF Station A-48
49
Insignia / Markings:Group Insignia: unofficialOriginally constituted as the 404thBombardment Group (Dive), the designat top right was the original group insigniaprior to the unit being redesignated. The imageimmediately below the group insignia oncebelonged to the 623d BS(D) and had beenapproved 17-May-43. This squadron wasdisbanded when the group was reorganized /and deployed to Great Britain as a fighter unit.Squadron Insignia:506th FS; unofficial507th FS; unofficial508th FS; approved 22-Jun-43Squadron Codes:506th FS - 4K • 507th FS - Y8 • 508th FS - 7JSquadron Colors:506th FS - unknown507th FS - unknown508th FS - unknownAircraft Markings:
The 404th FG was yet another unit within the Ninth AAFthat displayed little more than the squadron codes, call le~ter
and Allied Quick Identification Markings. The vast majority ofP-4Ts within this group were of a natural metal finish variety.
Fritzlar AlFAAF Station Y-86
St. TrondAIFAAF Station A-92
]uvincourt AlFAAF Station A-68
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• r : : :~[KfHIJl1rnrn-:CeJffi([)l]J{P--L::...::..::::...'
AsS~NED ~ U~ill/MARcH' i9~4 .,..rcrr~('cr"'''''''f' .,.r C'~,r('r-"'''~f'r
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,
509TH
FIGHTERSQUADRON
510TH
FIGHTERSQUADRON
51lTH
FIGHTERSQUADRON
50
1)-t17 ,r~'InJNJ)lm~lCn:I"
,.~U-""'. l~~--.L
40Sth Fighter Group:Motto: unknown
Sobriquet: unknown
Campaign Streamers:Air Offensive, Europe; Normandy; Northern France;
Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe.
Unit Decorations:Distinguished Unit Citation - France, 24-Sep-44; Order of the
Day, Belgium Army - 6-Jun-44 thru 30-Sep-44.
Overseas Combat Commanders:Col. James Ferguson, 5-Nov-43
Col. Robert L. Delashaw, 26-Apr-44
Lt. 1. Garrett Jackson, 22-0ct-44
Overseas Stations:No.416 Christchurch, Hampshire; 7-Mar-44
A-8N Picauville, Basse Normandie; 30-Jul-44
A-64 St. Dizier, Champange-Ardenne; 14-Sep-44
Y-32 Ophoven, Province Limburg; 9-Feb-45
R-6 Kitzingen, Bavaria Bayern; 30-Apr-45
Combat Operations:ll-Apr-44 thru 8-May-45
Insignia / Markings:Group Insignia: unknown
Originally constituted as the 405th Bombardment Group (Dive),redesignated405th Fighter-BomberGroup,August 1944.A third andfinal redesignation to the405th FighterGroup occurred in May, 1944.Squadron Insignia:509th FS; unofficial - officially replaced 30-Jan-575lOth FS; unofficial - officially replaced 14-Feb-57511th FS; oficially approved 12-Feb-45Squadron Codes:509th FS - G9 • 5lOth FS - 2Z • 511th FS - K4Squadron Colors:509th FS - Red5lOth FS - Blue511th FS - YellowAircraft Markings:
The 405th FG began applying color tactical markings to theiraircraft sometime in the latter part of 1944. These markingswere at first little more than the painting of each respectivesquadron color to the leading edge of the engine cowling. Bywars end many of the groups P-4Ts had expanded the colortactical markings to include the canopy frame, anti-glare panels and even the black horizontal Allied Quick Identificationtail band sometimes received an overcoat of squadron color.
Christchurch AIFAAF Station 416
PicauviUe AlFAAF Station A-8N
St. Dizier AlFAAF Station A-64
Kitzingen AlFAAF Station R-6
OphovenAiFAAF Station ~32
51
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ASSIGNED 9tH USMi/Aplu1 1944 r"'r,,"'('~C'ct',..,..,.. I("'~'~(f"r,r,..", .. r( r
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512TH
FIGHTERSQUADRON
I
52
513TH
FIGHTERSQUADRON
514TH
FIGHTERSQUADRON
1)-t17 ,rl'lnJNm~IUIOI.l'l"
406th Fighter Group:Motto: Seek-Attack-Destroy
Sobriquet: The Raider Group
Campaign Streamers:
American Theater; Air Offensive, Europe; Normandy;
orthern France; Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe.
Unit Decorations:
Distinguished Unit Citation - France, 7-Sep-44;
Belgium, 23 thru 27 December, 1944
Overseas Combat Commanders:
Col. Anthony Y. Grosetta, 6-Nov-43
Overseas Stations:
No. 417 Ashford, Kent; 4-Apr-44
A-13 Tour-en-Basin, Basse Normandie; 5-Aug-44
A-14 Cretteville, Basse Normandie; 17-Aug-44
A-36 St. Lenoard, Pays-de-Ia-Loire; 4-Sep-44
Y-34 Metz, Lorraine; 2-Feb-45
Y-29 Asch, Province Limburg; 8-Feb-45
Y-94 Handorf, Nordrhein-Westphalia; 15-Apr-45
Combat Operations:
First sortie 9-May-44
AshfordAiFAAF Station No.417
Tour-en-Bessin AlFAAF StationA-13
Cretteville AlFAAF Station A-14
St. LeonardAlFAAF Station A-36
Insignia / Markings:Group Insignia: unofficial
This was yet another outfit originally constituted as a Bombardment Group (Dive), the 406th. It too was redesignated asa Fighter-Bomber Group, in August, 1943 and finally againredesignation as the 406th Fighter Group in May, 1944.Squadron Insignia:512th FS; unofficial - officially replaced 9-Sep-55513th FS; unofficial - officially replaced 28-Apr-55
Sobriquet The Rocketeers or Rocket Squadron, sonamed because this was the first AAF unit to be equippedwith the 5 in. HVRA (High Velocity Rocket, Aircraft),unguided air to ground 'tank busting' ordnance.
514th FS; unofficial - officially replaced 1-Mar-55Squadron Codes:512th FS - L3 • 513th FS - 4P • 514th FS - 07Squadron Colors:512th FS -Yellow513th FS - Red514th FS - BlueAircraft Markings:
Late in the war the 406th Fighter Group adopted some rather verystriking tactical markings. Of special note was the replacementof the tail Allied Quick Identification Markings with a wide horizontal band incorporating all three ofthe groups squadron colors.
HandorfAiFAAF Station Y-94
AschAiFAAF Station Y-29
MetzAiFAAF Station Y-34
Mourmelon-le-Grand AlFAAF Station A-SO
53
IXTAC70TH FIGHTER WING
(AUGUST 1944)
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428TH
FIGHTERSQUADRON
CALL SIGN 'GEYSER'
429TH
FIGHTERSQUADRON
CALL SIGN 'RETAIL'
@Walt Disney Productions
430TH
FIGHTERSQUADRON
iiiiiliiiiiiiiiiiiiiilCALL SIGN 'BACKDOOR'
54
I)-:m 'U.,I1'I'NIN.,'
474th Fighter Group:Motto: unknownSobriquet: unknownCampaign Streamers:Air Offensive, Europe; Normandy; Northern France;Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe.Unit Decorations:Distinguished Unit Citation - France, 23-Aug-44;Order of the Day, Belgian Army, 6-Jun-44 thru 30-Sep-44 and16-Dec-44 thru 25-Jan-45; Belgium Fourragere.
Overseas Combat Commanders:Col. Clinton C. Wasem, I-Aug-43Overseas Stations:I.) Moreton, Essex; 12-Mar-44No. 454 Warmwell, Dorset; Apr-44A-ll St. Lamberti Neuilly, Basse Normandie; 6-Aug-44A-43 St. Marceau, Pays-de-Ia-Loire; 29-Aug-44Y-72 Peronne, Picardy; 6-Sep-44A-78 Florennes / Juzaine, Province de Namur; 1-0ct-44Y-59 Strassfeld, Nordrhein-Westphalia; 22-Mar-45R-2 Langensalza, Thuringia; 22-Apr-45* there is no RAF or AAF numerical listing for this station.Combat Operations:25-Apr-44 thru 8-May-45
•
WarmwellAlFAAF Station No.454
St. LambertAlFAAF Station A-II
St. MarceauAlFAAF Station A-43
PeronneAlFAAF Station A-72
Insignia / Markings:Group Insignia: unofficial; officially replaced 22-Jun-55Squadron Insignia:428th FS; unofficial - officially replaced 3-Jun-54429th FS; unofficial - officially replaced 7-Jul-55430th FS; unofficial - officially replaced 15-Jul-54Squadron Codes:428th FS - FS • 429th FS - 7Y • 430th FS - K6Squadron Colors:428th FS - Red429th FS - Blue (formerly White)430th FS - YellowAircraft Markings:
Virtually all P-38's within the 474thFG reversed the colororder of the fuselage Invasion Stripes from White to Black toBlack to White. Wing applications however remained consistent with the original SHAEF directive. Spinners, and in somecases, the nacelle nose and frontal air intake cowlings receiveda coat of squadron color. The tactical geometric symbols werenormally applied with Black paint, occasionally however Blackwas substituted with a squadron color. The tail serial numberswere often simply over painted by the squadron tactical symbolwith the last three digits of this number stenciled to both sidesof the nacelle with stencil breaks normally remaining unfilled.Although frowned upon, the use of squadron colors wouldsometimes find their way onto the fuselage codes as well.
Langensalza AlFAAF Station R-2
StrassfeldAlFAAF Station ~59
Florennesljuzaine AlFAAF Station A-78
55
Charmy Down AlPME Station No.487
ScortonAiPME Station No.425
56
1\-20 '01\lTO(~' / l)-(H 'In.J\(~U WInO"r' / P-70 'NU,O'I'01\WU'
422d Night Fighter Sq adron:Motto: unknownSobriquet: unknownCampaign Streamers:Normandy; Northern France; Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace;Central Europe: Air Combat, EAME TheaterUnit Decorations:Distinguished Unit Citation - Ardennes Salient, 16, 17,27, and28 of December, 1944.Overseas Stations:No. 487 Charmy Down, Somerset; 7-Mar-44No. 425 SCOIton, Yorkshirs; 6-May-44I.) No.492 Hum, Hampshire; 28-Jun-44I) No.362 Ford, Sussex, 6-Jul-44
A-iS Maupertus, Basse Normandie; 25-Jul-44A-39 Chateaudun, Centre-Val-de-Loire; 28-Aug-44A-78 Florennes / Juzaine, Province de Namur; 16-Sep-44Y-59 Strassfeld, Nordrhein-Westphalia; 6-Apr-45R-2 Langensalza, Thuringia; 24-Apr-45I.) detachments only at these stationsCombat Operations:3-Jul-44 thru 4-May-45
Maupertus AlPAAF StationA-15
Chateaudun AlPAAF Station A-39
PlorenneslJuzaine AlPAAF StationA-78
Insignia / Markings:Squadron Insignia:422d NFS; officially approved 29-Dec-43Squadron Code:noneSquadron Color:noneAircraft Markings:
Originally flew combat operations with a standard AAF OliveDrab over Neutral Gray paint scheme as per ANA DirectiveNo.157. Following experiments conducted at Elgin Field inFlorida it was recommended that this standard two-color paintscheme be replaced with gloss black for all aircraft conducting nighttime operations. On 19-Feb-44 General Breretoncommanding the Ninth Air Force requested that henceforth allP-61 and P-70 Night Fighters destined for his command receivea factory paint scheme of gloss black as per the Eligin Fieldtest results. In the meantime the AAF Engineering Division atWright Field in Ohio directed that a gloss black, designated asJet No. 62, be added to the existing ANA Bulletin No.157. Bywars end all night fighters of the Ninth would bear this color.
Langensalza AlPAAF Station R-2
StrassfeldAlPAAF Station }':59
57
Charmy Down AlFAAF Station 487
58
ScortonAlFAAF Station 425
I)-(;} 'nl.J\(~I{ WII)OW' / 1\-20 'I11\VOf~' / 1)-70 'NU~I1'I'I11\WI{'
425th Night Fighter Squadron:Motto: unknown
Sobriquet: unknown
Campaign Streamers:Normandy; Northern France; Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace;
Central Europe: Air Combat, EAME Theater
Unit Decorations: none.
Overseas Stations:
No.487 Charmy Down, Somerset; 26-May-44
No.425 Scorton, Yorkshire; 12-Jun-44
I.) Stoneman Park, 12-Aug-44
A-33 Vannes, Bretagne; 18-Aug-44
I.) Le Mousloiris, I-Sep-44
A-58 Coulommiers, Ile-de-France; ll-Sep-44
A-79 Prosnes, Champagne-Ardenne; 13-0ct-44
A-82 Verdun (No.393-Etain), Lorraine; 9-Nov-44
Y-73 Frankfurt-Rhine-Main, Hessen; 12-Apr-45
R-30 Furth-Industriehafen, Bavaria Bayern; 2-May-45
I.) there are no RAF or AAF numerical listings for this station.
Combat Operations:
July 1944 thru 8-May-45
lItznnesAlFAAF StationA-33
Coulommiers AlFAAF Station A-58
59
Insignia / Markings:Squadron Insignia:425th NFS; officially approved 5-May-45Squadron Code:noneSquadron Color:noneAircraft Markings:
Due to the unusual airframe configuration of the P-61 thefuselage national insignia was smaller than that normallydisplayed on other AAF combat aircraft. On 29-May-44 thesewere directed to be reduced proportionately and conform to aheight hot exceeding 75% of the overall fuselage height at thepoint of insignia application. In September of the previous yearall AAF P-61 radio call numbers (aircraft serial numbers) wereordered reduced in height and applied to the lower outside tailsurfaces using Insignia Red No.45. Both the 422d and 425thNFS were given the option by Gen. Spaatz to substitute grayfor the white within the U.S. National Insignia on all surfaces.Article 2, section (a) of the SHAEF directive regarding the application oflnvasion, or D-Day Stripes, specifically exempted all NightFighters from compliance with this directive. Interestingly, both the422d and 425th NFS opted not to avail themselves ofthis exemption.
Furth /lndustriehafen AlFAAF Station R-30
Frankfurt IRhine-Main AIFAAF Station .Y-73
Verdun (Etain) AlFAAF Station A-82 (393)
ProsnesAlFAAF Station A-79
,
60
IX 'I'UOOI) (~llIUUI~U (~OJIJlllN))
53n TROOP
CARRIER WING(Insignia officiallyapproved 6-Apr-43)
50TH TROOPCARRIER WING(Insignia officiallyapproved 22-Sep-42)
52n TROOPCARRIER WING
(Insignia officiallyapproved 22-Sep-42)
The Troop Carrier pilots who flew countless sorties on behalfof the Allied war effort are deserving of much more praise thanthey have been accorded in post war histories. Contemporarydocumentaries tend to focus on the major airborne campaignsof the war such as the Normandy Invasion or Operation MarketGarden. While there can be no argument that events of thjs magnitude were major milestones in the history of World War II, theyonly illustrate one aspect of the full scope of missions that wereconducted by this branch of the Army Air Force.
Insertion of OSS operatives, countless supply drops behindenemy lines, often at night, were additional duties carried out bythe Troop Transport crews. These supply missions were vital toAllied ground forces and resistance fighters operating deep withinGerman occupied territory. The timely evacuation of woundedpersonnel to rear areas was yet another invaluable contributionmade by the Troop Carrier service.
The total makeup of the troop carrier structure within the NinthAAF was massive, The largest such collective effort the world hasever seen consisted of the following three major elements whichtogether comprised the IX Troop Carrier Command, Ninth U.S.Army Air Force.
The combat deployment of a large contingent of airborne assaulttroops would require a multiple grouping of a standard AAF threeajrcraft 'V' formation. These would group to form a Serial whichconsisted of a predetermined number of aircraft from a designatedTC Group. The total number of 'V's comprising each Serial variedgreatly in direct proportion to the respective mission. Each pilotwas responsible for maintaining his proper position and intervalwithin a formation and tills was accomplished totally by meansvisual orientation.
Transports were devoid of the more elaborate tactical markingssuch as those utilized by the fighter and bomber units. The onlyvisual reference to aid a pilot with his formation flying were thelarge squadron codes painted on the forward section of all NinthAAF Troop Transports and the individual aircraft's call letterlocated on the vertical stabilizer.
The only additional tactical markings affixed to the trooptransports were the now famjliar Invasion Stripes which werehastily applied immediately prior to D-Day. With many Alliedaircraft, especially the larger ones, these were seldom the precision paint jobs so often depicted in movies, as evidenced by theaccompanying photos.
No fancy masking and spray jobs here, just a fewchalk marks, a couple buckets of paint and a large brush wereall that was necessary. The white areas, especially on the wingsurfaces, were in some instances actually applied with a common floor mop, the black stripes added after this coat dried.This was all that was needed however, and from a distancemost of these applications looked almost professional.
61
As mentioned on the preceding page, the Alliedairborne force was and still is the largest the worldhas ever seen. The organizational complexitiesand logistics involved with creating this multi-national organization are mind boggling, especiallyconsidering the brief time frame under which thiswas all accomplished. All things considered it isutterly amazing that the thing worked at all, muchless with the degree of efficiency which came tocharacterize its operations.
There are those contemporary historians who,for the purpose of boosting sales one must suppose, have attempted to cast aspersions upon thegallant efforts of the pilots and crew of the TroopTransport corps. This is especially the case whenit comes to chronicling the events surroundingthe D-Day invasion. When one analysis all of thevariables and uncertainties inherent with any airborne assault, not to mention one of the magnitudeconnected with the Normandy Invasion, it is akinto a miracle that it worked at all much less as wellas it did. Why focus onthe few glitches that mayhave occurred along theway without giving equaltime to the overridingexemplary performancedisplayed by these transport crews.
The success of theairborne operations of
D-Day can be attributed ~""••"'•••••"-I!!Il!!!II!Jl!!.I!""!'!~""!I!!l!.i~"-,,,I.!!!f!~'not only to the troopers fighting on the ground, butto those courageous air crews' that got them there inthe first place.
Top two photos depict just prior to and immediatelyfollowing Operation Varsity, the airborne assault overthe Rhine River in Germany, 24-Mar-45.
The C-46 'Commando' had a greater load capacitythan the venerable C-47 'Skytrain' but could not takethe same pounding and still return to base.
An early Christmas present. A supply drop of badly ,needed supplies to the men of the 101stAirborne Division during their defence of Bastone in the Battle of" r~
the Bulge, 16-Dec-45.
62
•
NIN'I'I1 IJ.S.ll.ll.I~. 'I'IlO«... «~lUUUI~1lSUIJllnllON «~onl~ INnl~X
~ 1l-14THTCS. W@ -15THTCS • ~ £. -53DTCS. ~ ~-79THTCS}61STTCe:PG.64
~ ~-29THTCS • mf ~-47THTCS • ~ ~-48THTCS • m ~-49THTCS} 313 THTCe: PG.66
~ ~-32DTCS • ~ ffi-50TlfTCS • en @-61 sTTCS • II ~-62DTCS} 314 THTCe: PG.68
mflli[-34THJCS .1]] £.-43DTCS • lli[~-309THJCS • 4l£.-310THJCS} 315 THTCe: PG.70
~ I1-36THTCS • WI ~-37THTCS • 41 CC-44THTCS • 'IT ~-45THTCS} 316 THTCe: PG.72
en ~-23DTCS • @I1-312THTCS • ~ ]F-313THTCS • N/c-314THTCS} 349 THTCe: PG.74
CCJJ-71 sTTCS • CC 1]]-72DTCS • CC mf-73DTCS .ll ID-74THTCS} 434 THTCe: PG.76
~ m-75THTCS • CC WI-76THTCS • II lli-77THTCS • CC lli[-78THTCS} 435 THTCe: PG.78
~ ~-79THTCS • ~ ID-80THTCS .1]] ~-81STTCS • ~ ID-82DTCS} 436 THTce: PG.80
'IT ~-83DTCS • ~ ~-84THTCS • @@-85 THTCS • ~ }K-86THTCS} 437 THTce: PG.82
~ ~-87THTCS .lli[ ~-88THTCS • 4l1]]-89THTCS • en ~-90THTCS} 438 THTce: PG.84
1141-91sTJCS • JJ ~-92DTCS • ~ lli-93DTCS • ID ~-94THTCS} 439 THTce: PG.86
@~-95THTCS • ~ ~-96THTCS • WI ~-97THTCS • ~ W-98THTCS} 440 THTce: PG.88
~ JJ-99THTCS • ~ CC-I00THTCS • ~41-301sTJCS • ~ 11-302DTCS} 441 sTTce: PG.90
JJ~-303DTCS. W41-304THTCS. 4lJJ-305THJCS. ~m-306THTCS} 442 DTce: PG.92
63
52ND TROOPCARRIER WING
(FEBRUARY 1944)
14TH
TRCRSQDN,&iii
,
15TH
TRCRSQDN
53RD
TRCRSQDN
64
59TH
TRCRSQDN
(}L17 'SKY'l'U1UN'
61st Troop Carrier Group:Motto: unknownSobriquet: unknownCampaign Streamers:American Theater; Sicily; Rome-Arno; Normandy;Northern France; Rhineland; Central Europe.Unit Decorations:Distinguished Unit Citation - Sicily, ll-Jul-43and France, 6 thru 7 June, 1944Overseas Combat Commanders:Col. Willis W. Mitchell, ll-Mar-43I.j Overseas Stations:No.483 Barkston Heath, Lincolnshire; 18-Feb-442/ B-92 Abbeville /Drucat, Alsace; 13-Mar-45Combat Operations:June 1944 thru May 19451.1 This list does not reflect the actual combat roll of this groupwhich experienced extensive operations with the Twelfth AAFprior to transferring to the Ninth.2·1 B-92 was an RAF airfield used by the AAF as a staging areafor troop carrier units supporting the First Allied Airborne Army.
Barkstone Heath AlPAAF Station 483
Insignia / Markings:Group Insignia: unknownSquadron Insignia:14th TCS; officially approved 28-Dec-4215th TCS; unknown53d TCS; unofficial59th TCS; unknownSquadron Codes:14th TCS - 3115th TCS - Y953d TCS - 3A59th TCS - X5Squadron Colors:14th TCS - none15th TCS - none53d TCS - none59th TCS - noneAircraft Markings:
Standard USAAF two-color camouflage with White or Skysquadron code located on forward fuselage, with the alc callletter positioned on the tail just above the aircraft call number.
Abbeville /Drucat AlPRAP Station B-32
65
29111
TRCRSQDN
r
47TH
TRCRSQDN
48111
TRCRSQDN49TH
TRCRSQDN
66
(~-L17 'SKY'I'1l1UN' I (~-5:J 'SKY'I'1l(01)1~1l' I (~-Ll(; '(~O)nlllNJ)O'
313th Troop Carrier Group:Motto: unknownSobriquet: unknownCampaign Streamers:American Theater; Sicily; Rome-Arno; Normandy;Northern France; Rhineland; Central Europe.Unit Decorations:Distinguished Unit Citation - Sicily, ll-Jul-43and France, 6 thru 7 June, 1944Overseas Combat Commanders:Col. Clayton Stiles, 9-Apr-43I.] Overseas Stations:No.484 Folkingham, Lincolnshire; 4-Feb-442./ B-54 Achiet, Alsace; 28-Feb-45Combat Operations:9-Jul-44 thru 8-May-45I.] This list does not reflect the actual combat roll of this groupwhich experienced extensive operations with the Twelfth AAFprior to transferring to the Ninth.21 B-32 was an RAF airfield used by the AAF as a staging areafor troop carrier units supporting the First Allied Airborne Army.
Folkingham AlFME StAtion 484
Insignia / Markings:Group Insignia: officially approved 3-Feb-43Squadron Insignia:29th TCS; officially approved 24-Aug-4347th TCS; officially approved 27-Feb-4348th TCS; unknown49th TCS; officially approved 13-Jan-43Squadron Codes:29th TCS - 5X47th TCS - N348th TCS - Z749th TCS - H2Squadron Colors:29th TCS - none47th TCS - none48th TCS - none49th TCS - noneAircraft Markings:Standard USAAF two-color camouflage with White or Skysquadron code located on forward fuselage, with the alc callletter positioned on the tail just above the aircraft call number.
AehietA/FRAPStatUm B-54
67
52ND
TROOPCARRIER WING
(FEBRUARY 1944)
32ND
TRCRSQDN
6IST
TRCRSQDN
68
50TH
TRCRSQDN
62ND
TRPCRSQDN
(~-L.7 'SI{Y'I'UIUN' I (~-5:J 'SI{Yl'llOOI)I~U'
The two designs above have beenattributed to the 32d (top) and62d (bottom) TCS's but additionalcorroboration is needed beforeeither is confirmed as WWII era.
314th Troop Carrier Group:Motto: Viri Veniente (Men Will Come)
Sobriquet: unknown
Campaign Streamers:
American Theater; Sicily; Naples-Foggia;
Normandy; Northern France; Rhineland; Central Europe.
Unit Decorations:
Distinguished Unit Citation - France, 6-Jun-44
Overseas Combat Commanders:
Col. Clayton Stiles, 9-Apr-43
I.] Overseas Stations:
No.538 Saltby, Lincolnshire; Feb-44
2} B-44 Poix, Alsace; Feb-45
Combat Operations:
July 1943 thru 8-May-45
I.) This list does not reflect the actual combat roll of this group
which experienced extensive operations with the Twelfth AAF
prior to transferring to the Ninth.
2) B-44 was an RAF airfield used by the AAF as a staging area
for troop carrier units supporting the First Allied Airborne Army.
Insignia / Markings:Group Insignia:officially approved 17-Aug-42Squadron Insignia:32d rcs; (see text)
50th rcs; unknown61st rcs; unknown62d rcs; (see text)Squadron Codes:32d rcs -S 250th rcs -2 R61st rcs -Q962d rcs -ESSquadron Colors:32d rcs - none50th rcs - none61 st rcs - none62d rcs - noneAircraft Markings:
Standard USAAF two-color camouflage with White or Skysquadron code located on forward fuselage, and the ale callletter positioned on the tail just above the aircraft call number.
SaltbyA/FAAF Station 538
69
r
43RD
TRCRSQDN
IXTCC52ND TROOP
CARRIER WING(FEBRUARY 1944)
34TH
TRCRSQDN
309TH
TRCRSQDN310TH
TRCRSQDN
70
C-L17 'SKYTUiUN'1 C-53 'SKYTUOOIJEU'
The insignia above was officially approved for the 34thTCS 24-Mar-54.Itisincluded here because it has been proposed that this was actually a late warreplacement for the image on the opposite page. As of press time however,corroboration of this claim is pending.
315th Troop Carrier Group:Motto: Adveniam (I Will Arrive)Sobriquet: unknownCampaign Streamers:American Theater; Sicily; Naples-Foggia;Normandy; Northern France; Rhineland; Central Europe.Unit Decorations:Distinguished Unit Citation - France, 6-Jun-44Overseas Combat Commanders:Col. Hamish McLelland, 17-Apr-42Col. Howard B. Lyon, 27-Sep-44Lt.Col. Robert 1. Gibbons, 27-Mar-45I.J Overseas Stations:No.467 Alderston, Berkshire; I-Dec-42II No.474 Welford Park, Berkshire; 6-Nov-43No.493 Spanhoe I Wakerly, Northamptshire; 7-Feb-4421 B-48 Amiens I Glisy, Alsace; 6-Apr-45Combat Operations:July 1943 thru 8-May-451.1 In May 1943 a detachment was temporarily posted to Algeria to assist in the Allied invasion of Sicily and later Italy.This detachment rejoined the rest of the Group in March 1944.2.) B-48 was an RAF airfield used by the AAF as a staging area
for troop carrier units supporting the First Allied Airborne Army.I
Aldermaston AlFAA.F Station 467
Welford Park AlFAA.F Station 474
SpanhoeAlFAA.F Station 493
Insignia / Markings:Group Insignia:
officially approved 22-May-42
Squadron Insignia:
34th - TCS; (see text)
43d - TCS; officially replaced 3-Dec-53
309th TCS; unknown
310th TCS; approved 23-0ct-44
Squadron Codes:
34th - TCS - N M
43d - TCS - U A309th TCS - M 6
310th TCS - 4 A
Squadron Colors:
34th - TCS - none
43d - TCS - none
309th TCS - none
310th TCS - none
Aircraft Markings:
Standard USAAF two-color camouflage with White or Sky
squadron code located on forward fuselage, and the alc call
letter positioned on the tail just above the aircraft call number.
Amiens/GlisyAlFRAP Station B-48
71
52ND
TROOPCARRIER WING
(FEBRUARY 1944)
36TH
TRCRSQDN
r
37TH
TRCRSQDN
44TH
TRCRSQDN
72
45TH
TRCRSQDN
(;-,17 'SI{Y'l'1l1UN' I (;-5:1 'SI{Y'1'1l(01)1~1l'
The insignia above once representedthe 38thTCS which was assignedto the 316thTCG until 19-May-42.Cross referencing unit histories canoften provide clues that sometimeslead to the discovery oflong forgottenimagesThe insignia of the 37thTCSon the facing page has all the earmarks of a Disney design, however,this image is still being researched.
316th Troop Carrier Group:Motto: Valor Without Arms
Sobriquet: unknown
Campaign Streamers:American Theater; Egypt-Libya; Tunisia;Sicily; Naples-Foggia; Rome-Arno; Normandy;Northern France; Rhineland; Central Europe.
Unit Decorations:Distinguished Unit Citation - Egypt I Libya I Tunisia I Sicily,25-Nov-42 thru 25-Aug-43; Sicily, ll-Jul-43:
France, 6 thru 7 June, 1944.Overseas Combat Commanders:Col. Jerome B. McCauley, 14-Feb-42Lt.Col. Burton R. Fleet, 12-Aug-43
Col. Harvey A. Berger, 13-May-44I.] Overseas Stations:
No.489 Cottesmore, Rutland; 15-Feb-44Combat Operations:November 1942 thru 8-May-45I.] Posted to numerous other airfields while serving in the
Mediterranean Theater with both the Ninth and Twelfth AAF's.
Insignia / Markings:Group Insignia: unknownSquadron Insignia:36th - TCS; unknown37th - TCS; unofficial44th - TCS; unknown45th - TCS; unknownSquadron Codes:36th - TCS - 6 E37th - TCS - W 744th - TCS - 4C45th - TCS - T3Squadron Colors:36th - TCS - none37th - TCS - none44th - TCS - none45th - TCS - noneAircraft Markings:
Standard USAAF two-color camouflage with White or Skysquadron code located on forward fuselage, and the ale callletter positioned on the tail just above the aircraft call number.
Cottesmore AlPAAF Station 489
73
23D
TRCRSQDN
313TH
TRCRSQDN
74
312TH
TRCRSQDN
314ND
TRCRSQDN
349th Troop Carrier Group:Motto: unknownSobriquet: unknown
Campaign Streamers:American Theater; EAME TheaterUnit Decorations: noneOverseas Combat Commanders:Col. Leonard 1. Barrow Jr., 26-Nov-43Overseas Stations:No.483 Barkstone Heath, Lincolnshire; 30-Mar-45A-73 Roye /Amy, Alsace; l8-Apr-45Operations:
There is very little information readily available regarding the
war time deployment of this outfit, in fact tracing the history ofthis unit is somewhat of a challenge in itself as it has undergoneno fewer than ten redesignations since its' original formation in1943. As of this writing it is currently known as the 349th AirMobility Wing. The 349thTCG came very late to the conflict in
the ETO and although it made an important contribution withthe delivery of badly needed supplies and medical evacuations
throughout Western Europe, it does not appear to have engagedin any combat operations per.
~
Barkstone Heath AlPAAF Station No.483
Insignia / Markings:Group Insignia: unknownSquadron Insignia:23d TCS; unknown312th TCS; unknown313th TCS; unknown314th TCS; unknownSquadron Codes:23d TCS-Q8312th TCS - 9 E313th TCS - 3 F314th TCS - unknownSquadron Colors:23d TCS; none312th TCS; none313th TCS; none314th TCS; noneAircraft Markings:
As of press time no definitive documentation or photographicevidence has surfaced pertaining to any of the specifics relatingto airframe finishes during overseas deployment. Similarly, virtually nothing is known as to the size, placement or colors usedin the application of both the squadron codes and individualaircraft call letters.
Roye / Amy AlPAAF Station A-73
75
IXTCC53D TROOP
CARRIER WING(MARCH 1944)
7IST
TRCRSQDN
73D
TRCRSQDN
IXTCC50111 TRoop
CARRIER WING<OCTOBER 1943)
76
,
72D
TRCRSQDN
74111
TRCRSQDN
(~-L17 'SU:V'l'U1UN' I (~-5:J 'SU:V'l'UO()JII~U'
434th Troop Carrier Group:Motto: unknownSobriquet: unknownCampaign Streamers:American Theater; Normandy; Northern France;Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe.Unit Decorations:Distinguished Unit Citation: France, 6 thru 7 June, 1944;French Croix de Guerre with Palm: 6 thru 7 June, 1944and 20 thru 28 August, 1944; French Fourragere.
Overseas Combat Commanders:Lt.Col. Fred D. Stevens, 18-Aug-43Col. William B. Whitacre, 29-Nov-43Lt.Col. Ben A. Garland, 17-Dec-44Overseas Stations:No.488 Fulbeck, Lincolnshire; 7-0ct-43No.474 Welford Park, Berkshire; 1O-Dec-43No.467 Aldermaston, Berkshire; 3-Mar-44A-10 Mourmelon-le-Grand, Alsace; Feb-45Combat Operations:6-Jun-44 thru 8-May-45
FulbeckAiFAAF Station No.488
Welford Park AlFAAF Station No,474
Aldermaston AlFAAF Station No,467
Insignia / Markings:Group Insignia:The design on the facing pagewas officially replaced 1O-Oct-52Squadron Insignia:71 st TCS; unknown72d TCS; unknown73d TCS; unknown74th TCS; unknownSquadron Codes:71st TCS - C J72d TCS-CU73d TCS- CN74th TCS - I DSquadron Colors:71 st TCS; none72d TCS; none73d TCS; none74th TCS; noneAircraft Markings:
Standard USAAF two-color camouflage with White or Skysquadron code located on forward fuselage, and the alc callletter positioned on the tail just above the aircraft caB number.
77
r
78TH
TRCRSQDN
78
IXTCC50TH TROOP
CARRIER WING(NOVEMBER 1943)
IXTCC53D TROOP
CARRIER WING(MARCH 1944)
77TH
TRCRSQDN
(}L17 'SKY'I'U1UN' I (~-5:J 'SIiY'I'UOOI)I~U'
435th Troop Carrier Group:Motto: unknown
Sobriquet: unknown
Campaign Streamers:
Rome-Arno; Normandy;
Northern France; Southern France;
Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe.
Unit Decorations: (
Distinguished Unit Citation: France, 6 thru 7 June, 1944
Overseas Combat Commanders:
Col. Frank J. MacNees, 25-Feb-43
I.] Overseas Stations:
No.490 Langar, Nottinghamshire; 3-Nov-43
No.474 Welford Park, Berkshire; 25-Jan-44
A-48 Bretigny, Alsace; 13-Feb-45
Combat Operations:
6-Jun-44 thru 8-May-45
I.) A contingent was detached to the Twelfth AF in Italy to
assist in the invasion of Southern France in August 1944.
LangarAlFAAF Station No.490
Welford Park AlFAAF Station No.474
Insignia / Markings:Group Insignia:The design on the facing pagewas officially replaced 1O-Oct-52.Squadron Insignia:75th TCS; officially approved 6-Sep-4376th TCS; officially approved 30-Mar-4477th TCS; design shown officially replaced 4-May-6078th TCS; officially approved 26-0ct-43Squadron Codes:75th TCS - S H76th TCS - CW77th TCS - I B78th TCS - C MSquadron Colors:75th TCS; none76th TCS; none77th TCS; none78th TCS; noneAircraft Markings:
Standard USAAF two-color camouflage with White or Skysquadron code located on forward fuselage, and the alc callletter positioned on the tail just above the aircraft call number.
79
IXTCC53D TROOP
CARRIER WING(MARCH 1944)
79TH
TRCRSQDN
815T
TRCRSQDN
IXTCC50TH TROOP
CARRIER WING(FEBRUARY 1944)
80
80TH
TRCRSQDN
)
82D
TRCRSQDN
(~-L.7 'SJ{Y'I'UIUN' / (~-5a 'SJ{Y'I'UOOI)I~U'
The design above represents a typicalproblem inherent with many unit insignia from the WWll era. This imagewas found painted on the wall of oneof the buildings at Membury AF usedby the 436th TCG. Unfortunately, bythe time this design came to anyone'sattention, the war had been longover. Although it is believed by someto be the insignia of the 79th TCS,there are others that attribute it tothe 436th TCG itself. Obviouslymore research is necessary in orderto confirm this designs actual origin.
436th Troop Carrier Group:Motto: unknown
Sobriquet: unknown
Campaign Streamers:
American Theater; Rome-Arno; Normandy;
Northern France; Southern France; Rhineland; Central Europe.
Unit Decorations:
Distinguished Unit Citation: France, 6 thru 7 June 1944.
Overseas Combat Commanders:
Col. Adriel N. Williams, 4-Feb-44I.J Overseas Stations:
No.481 Bottesford, Leicestershire; Jan-44
No.466 Membury, Berkshire; 3-Mar-44
A-55 Melun, Alsace; 26-Feb-45
Combat Operations:
6-Jun-44 thru 8-May-45
1.1 Detachment sent to Italy for temporary duty with the Twelfth
AF to assist in the invasion of Southern France in August 1944.
BottesfordAlFAAF Station No.481
MemburyAlFAAF Station No.466
Insignia / Markings:Group Insignia: unknownSquadron Insignia:79th TCS; see text80th TCS; unknown81 st TCS; unknown82d TCS; unknownSquadron Codes:79th TCS - S 680th TCS -7 D81stTCS- US82d TCS - 3 DSquadron Colors:79th TCS; none80th TCS; none81 st TCS; none82d TCS; noneAircraft Markings:
Standard USAAF two-color camouflage with White, Identification Yellow or Sky squadron code letters located on forwardsection of the fuselage, with the ale call letter positioned on
the tail just above the aircraft call number.
81
53D TROOP
CARRIER WING
(FEBRUARY 1944)
83D
TRCRSQDN84TH
TRCRSQDN
85TH
TRCRSQDN
82
86TH
TRCRSQDN
(~-L17 'Sf{Y'l'U1UN' / (~-5:J 'Sf{Y'I'UOOI)I~U'
437th Troop Carrier Group:Motto: Support from the Sky
Sobriquet: unknownCampaign Streamers:American Theater; Rome-Arno; Normandy;
Northern France; Southern France; Rhineland;Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe.Unit Decorations:
Distinguished Unit Citation: France, 6 thru 7 June, 1944Overseas Combat Commanders:Col. Cedric E. Hudgens, I-May-43Col. Donald J. French, 12-Jun-44I.J Overseas Stations:
No.482 Balderton, Lincolnshire; Jun-44No.469 Ramsbury, Wiltshire; 5-Feb-44A-58 Coulommiers / Voisins, Alsace; 25-Feb-45
Combat Operations:6-Jun-44 thru 8-May-45I.] Deployed a detachment to Italy for temporary duty with the
Twelfth AF to participate in the pending Allied invasion of Southern France in August 1944.
~
BalJerton AlPAAF Stillion No,482
Ramsbury AlPAAF Stiltion No.469
Insignia / Markings:Group Insignia: officially replaced 24-Nov-53Squadron Insignia:83d TCS; unknown84th TCS; unknown85th TCS; unofficial86th TCS; unknownSquadron Codes:83d TCS - T 284th TCS - Z 886th TCS - 9086th TCS - 5 KSquadron Colors:83d TCS; none84th TCS; none85th TCS; none86th TCS; noneAircraft Markings:
Standard USAAF two-color camouflage with White, Identification Yellow or Sky squadron code letters located on forwardsection of the fuselage, with the alc call letter positioned onthe tail just above the aircraft call number.
Coulommiers /Voisins AlPAAF StiltionA-58
83
r
90TH
TRCRSQDN
88TH
TRCRSQDN
84
53D TROOP
CARRIER WING
(FEBRUARY 1944)
87TH
TRCRSQDN
89TH
TRCRSQDN
(~-L17 'SIlV'I'U1UN' I (~-5:J 'SI{Y'l'UOOI)I~U'
438th Troop Carrier Group:Motto: unknown
Sobriquet: unknown
Campaign Streamers:
Rome-Arno; Normandy; Northern France;
Southern France; Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe.
Unit Decorations:
Distinguished Unit Citation: France, 6 thru 7 June, 1944
Overseas Combat Commanders:
Col. John M. Donalson, 13-Jul-43
I.] Overseas Stations:
No.474 Welford Park,Berkshire; Feb-44
No.486 Greenham Common,Berkshire; Feb-44
A-79 Prosnes, Alsace; Feb-45
Combat Operations:
6-Jun-44 thru 8-May-45
1.1 Deployed a detachment to Italy for temporary duty with the
Twelfth AF to participate in the pending Allied invasion of South
ern France in August 1944.
,
Welford Park AlPAAF Station 474
Greenham Common AlPAAF Station 486
Insignia / Markings:Group Insignia: unknownSquadron Insignia:87th TCS; officially approved 3-Apr-4488th TCS; unknown
89th TCS; unknown90th TCS; unknownSquadron Codes:87th TCS - 3 X88th TCS - M 289th TCS - 4 U
90th TCS - Q 7Squadron Colors:87th TCS; none88th TCS; none89th TCS; none90th TCS; none
Aircraft Markings:Standard USAAF two-color camouflage with White or Sky
squadron code letters located on forward section of the fuselage, with the alc call letter positioned on the tail just above
the aircraft call number.
ProsnesAlPAAF StationA-79
85
IXTCC50TH TROOP
CARRIER WING(MARCH 1944)
9IST
TRCRSQDN
93°TRCRSQDN
IXTCC53° TROOP
CARRIER WING(FEBRUARY 1944)
86
,
92°TRCRSQDN
94TH
TRCRSQDN
87
]uvincourtAlFAAF Station A-68
Chateaudun AlFAAF Station A-39
Insignia / Markings:Group Insignia: unknownSquadron Insignia:91st TCS; unknown92d TCS; unknown93d TCS; unknown94th TCS; unknownSquadron Codes:91stTCS-L492d TCS - J 893d TCS - 3 B94th TCS - D8Squadron Colors:91 st TCS; none92d TCS; none93d TCS; none94th TCS; noneAircraft Markings:
Standard USAAF two-color camouflage with White or Skysquadron code letters located on forward section of the fuselage, with the ale call letter positioned on the tail just above
the aircraft call number.
Upottery AlFAAF Station No.462
(~-L17 'SJ{Y'I'U1UN' / (~-5:1 'SJ{Y'I'UO("'I~U'
Balderton AlFAAF Station No.482
439th Troop Carrier Group:Motto: unknownSobriquet: unknownCampaign Streamers:American Theater; Rome-Arno; Normandy; Northern France;Southern France; Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe.Unit Decorations:Distinguished Unit Citation: France, 6 thru 7 June, 1944;French Croix de Guerre with Palm, 6 thru 7 June, 1944and 15-Aug-44; French Fourragere.
Overseas Combat Commanders:Col. Charles H. Young, 21-Jan-44I.] Overseas Stations:No.482 Balderton, Lincolnshire; 21-Feb-44No.462 Upottery, Devon; 26-Apr-44A-68 Juvincourt, Champagne-Ardenne; 8-Sep-44A-45 Lomay, Basse Norrnandie; 28-Sep-44A-39 Chateaudun, Alsace; 4-Nov-44Combat Operations:6-Jun-44 thru 8-May-45
I.J Deployed a detachment to Italy for temporary duty with theTwelfth AF to participate in the pending Allied invasion of Southern Fran e in August 1944.
95TH
TRCRSQDN96TH
TRCRSQDN
97TH
TRCRSQDN
88
98TH
TRCRSQDN
(~-L17 'SKY'I'UAIN' I (~-5:J 'SI{Y'I'UOOI)I~U'
Special Note:The 97thTCS insignia depicted isreported to have been the unofficialWW11 squadron design which wassubsequently officially adopted bythat unit in 1960. The 96thTCS insignia was obtainedfrom a poor qualityb&w photo submitted by a squadronveteran and developed relying onverbal description for details andcolor break. 98thTCS design wasalso an unofficial squadron insigniafor which the squadron reportedlyobtained written permission fromWalt Disneyfor the use ofthe DonaldDuck image.
440th Troop Carrier Group:Motto: Nunquam Non Paratus (Never Unprepared)
Sobriquet: unknownCampaign Streamers:
Rome-Arno; Normandy; Northern France;Southern France; Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe.Unit Decorations:
Distinguished Unit Citation: France, 6 thru 7 June, 1944;Overseas Combat Commanders:Col. Frank X. Kerbs, 7-Jul-43 129-0ct-44
Lt.Col. Loyd C. Waldorf, 18-Sep-44I.J Overseas Stations:
No.481 Bottesford, Leicestershire; ll-Mar-44No.463 Exeter, Devon; 26-Apr-44A-62D Reims IChampagne, Alsace; II-Sep-44A-35 Le Mans, Pays-de-Ia-Loire; 30-Sep-44A-50 Orleans I Bricy, Centre-Val-de-Loire; 2-Nov-44
Combat Operations:6-Jun-44 thru 8-May-45
I.J Deployed a detachment to Italy for temporary duty with the
Twelfth AF to participate in the pending Allied invasion of Southern France in August 1944.
I
BottesfordAlF.AAF Station No.481
ExeterAiF.AAF Station No.463
Reims / Champagne AlFAAF Station A-62D
Insignia / Markings:Group Insignia: modified and readopted 14-Nov-58Squadron Insignia:95th TCS; unofficial96th TCS; unofficial97th TCS; unofficial98th TCS; unofficialSquadron Codes:95th TCS - 9 X96th TCS - 6 Z97th TCS - W698th TCS - 8 YSquadron Colors:95th TCS; none96th TCS; none97th TCS; none98th TCS; noneAircraft Markings:
Standard USAAF two-color camouflage with White or Skysquadron code letters located on forward section of the fuselage, with the a/c call letter positioned on the tail just abovethe aircraft call number.
Orleans / BricyAlF.AAF Station A-50
LeMansAiF.AAF StationA-35
89
50111 TROOPCARRIER WING(MARCH 1944)
99111
TRCRSQDN
301ST
TRCRSQDN
90
,
100111
TRCRSQDN
302D
TRCSQDN
(~-L17 'SI{¥I'UJUN' I (~-5:J 'SJ{Y'I'IU.Ol)I~U'
441st Troop Carrier Group:Motto: unknownSobriquet: unknownCampaign Streamers:Rome-Arno; Normandy; Northern France;Southern France; Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe.Unit Decorations:Distinguished Unit Citation: France, 6 thru 7 June, 1944Overseas Combat Commanders:Col. Theodore G. Kershaw, 8-Aug-43Col. William H. Parkhill, 24-Nov-441.] Overseas Stations:No.490 Langer, Nottinghamshire; 17-Mar-44No.464 Merryfield, Somerset; 27-Apr-44A-63 Villeneuve I Vetrus, Champagne-Ardenne; 8-Sep-44A-43 St. Marceau, Pay-de-la-Loire; 2-0ct-44A-4i Dreux, Centre-Val-de-Loire; 3-Nov-44Combat Operations:6Jun-44 thru 8-May-45II Deployed a detachment to Italy for temporary duty with theTwelfth AF to participate in the pending Allied invasion of Southern France in August 1944.•
LangerAlFAAF Station No.490
MerryfieldAlFAAF Station No.464
St. Marceau AlFAAF Station A-43
Insignia / Markings:Group Insignia: unknownSquadron Insignia:99 th TCS; unknowni OOth TCS; unknown30ist TCS; unknown302d TCS; unknownSquadron Codes:99th TCS - 3 JlOOth TCS - B C30ist TCS - Z 4302d TCS - 2 LSquadron Colors:99th TCS; nonelOOth TCS; none30i st TCS; none302d TCS; noneAircraft Markings:
Standard USAAF two-color camouflage with White or Skysquadron code letters located on forward section of the fuselage, with the alc call letter positioned on the tail just abovethe aircraft call number.
DreuxAlFAAF StationA-41
Villeneuve Il'ertus AlFAAF Station A-63
91
50TH TROOP
CARRIER WING
(MARCH 1944)
303D
TRCRSQDN
305TH
TRCRSQDN
92
,
304TH
TRCRSQD~
306TH
TRCRSQDN
(~-lt7 'S({Y'I'UIUN' / (~-5:J ,s({yrl'UOOI)I~U'
442d Troop Carrier Group:Motto: unknown
Sobriquet: unknown
Campaign Streamers:
Rome-Arno; Normandy; Northern France;
Southern France; Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe.
Unit Decorations:
Distinguished Unit Citation: France, 6 thru 7 June, 1944
Overseas Combat Commanders
Col. Charles M. Smith, Sep-43I.] Overseas Stations:
No.488 Fulbeck, Lincolnshire; 29-Mar-44
No.447 Weston Zoyland, Somerset; 27-Apr-44
A-44 Peray I Bonnetable, Basse Normandie; Oct-442·/B-24 St. Andre-de-I'Eure, Ile-de-France; Nov-44
Combat Operations:
6-Jun-44 thru 8-May-45
1.1 Deployed a detachment to Italy for temporary duty with the
Twelfth AF to participate in the pending Allied invasion of
Southern France in August 1944.
2.1 RAF airfield utilized by USAAF as temporary staging area.
~$ton ZuylandAlFAAF Station No.#7
Insignia / Markings:Group Insignia: unknownSquadron Insignia:303d TCS; unknown304th TCS; unknown305th TCS; unknown306th TCS; unknownSquadron Codes:303d TCS - J 7304th TCS - V 4305th TCS - 4 J306th TCS - 7 HSquadron Colors:303d TCS; none304th TCS; none305th TCS ; none306th TCS; noneAircraft Markings:
Standard USAAF two-color camouflage with White or Skysquadron code letters located on forward section of the fuselage, with the alc call letter positioned on the tail just abovethe aircraft call number.
93
94
,
The rare color photograph at the bottom of this page can becompared to the black and white image on the preceding titlepage in order to better gain an understanding of the importance color played in aircraft recognition. This same comparisonalso illustrates how easy it can be to overlook the tacticalmarkings when viewing a black and white period photo. Thediagnol yellow (ANA Orange Yellow) stripe of the 97thBGtends to automatically attract the focus of ones eye whereasthis very same element blends together with the overall
THE COMBAT Box FORMATION
+ ~--- FLIGHT LEADERS--- ....
+-+-WINGMEN-+-++" DEPUTY FLIGHT ~
LEADERS ....
+-+-WINGMEN-+-+
WINGMENBox LEADER -----------+
,-----+-+DEPUTY Box LEADER--+"-------+-+
gray format of the black and white image. A quick glance
over the right shoulder would confirm to a ships co-pilot
that their starboard wingman was in his proper position. A
good bomber pilot would in fact rely upon every member
of his crew to inform him in the event any ship within his
respective flight was failing to maintain proper interval.
To anyone new to the study of the air war in World War II,and especially that of the European Theater, the significanceand importance of the tactical aircraft markings is often totallyoverlooked. Unfortunately this is due in no small part to the factthat so much of our contemporary view of this conflict comesto us in the form of black and white photographs. While thoseof us interested in this page of history are grateful that there exists so much valuable pictorial documentation, it is all to easyto overlook the impact that AAF tactical markings had in thereal world of full spectrum color, andjust why they were such an importantelement in the Army Air Forces effortto effectively conduct their part of thewar effort.
The two adjacent diagrams havebeen included herein to illustrate theimportance of tactical aircraft markings,especially when it came to the bombing campaign against Hitler's FestungEuropa. When studying these diagramsit is important to point out that thisrepresents a mission sortie of only onebombardment group.
A single flight was the basic combatelement that might be sortied, while alarge raid would entail a full combatbox formation as depicted herein, onlymultiplied by the total number of groupsparticipating in that raid.
Maintaining proper formation integrity within ones assigned flight was crucial not only for defensive purposesagainst enemy aerial attacks, but in order to maximize theeffectiveness of the bombing effort. It might be prudentto mention here that maintaining ones proper positionwithin the flight also helped prevent the bombers fromknocking each other out of the air via mid-air collisionor an accidental hit from a falling bomb.
The means of accomplishing this daunting organizational task began at take-off and did not end until thelast ship was safely back down on the ground again atmissions end. The pilot of each ship bore the primaryresponsibility for maintaining his aircrafts proper placement within his respective flight and this task was accomplished only through a means of individual as wellas collective aircraft recognition.
95
NIN'I'I1 (J .S.il.il.l~. nO)lIlilUJ))II~N'1'S(}(JiUntON (~OJ)I~ INJ)I~X
IT ill } ISTPTHFNDRSQ(P): PG.98
IP~ -449TIlBS • rn ill -450THBS • ~ ~ -451STBS • lID ill -452DBS } 322DBG: PG. 98
WTI -453DBS • ill JJ -454THBS • W1Ol-455THBS • WI TI -456THBS } 232DBG: PG.I00
~@ -494TIlBS. W~ -495THBS • ~~ -496THBS .?/ IT-497THBS } 344THBG: PG.I02
ill ~ -552DBS • £.~ -553DBS • ill1Ol-554TIlBS • W£. -555THBS } 386THBG: PG.I04
lFWi -556TIlBS • ~~ -557THBS • ~~ -558THBS • TI ®-559THBS } 387TIlBG: PG.I06
IP~ -572DBS. TI® -573DBS • ~Ik -574THBS • ®ES -575THBS} 391sTBG: PG.I08
~~ -584TIlBS. ~TI -585THBS • ill@ -586TIlBS • ~ WI -587THBS } 394TIlBG: PG.II0,
~~ -596TIlBS • @IF -597THBS .1Ol ~ -598TIlBS • ®ill -599THBS } 397TIlBG: PG.112
WI~ -640TIlBS.?/~ -641sTBS • lID ®-642DBS • ~ IT -643DBS } 409TIlBG: PG.114
~lID -644TIlBS .?/~ -645THBS • ES 1Ol-646THBS • ®®-647THBS } 410TIlBG: PG.116
~ ill -668TIlBS • ~ £. -669THBS .IF ®-670THBS • ~ «: -671STBS } 411THBG: PG.118
96
IX BOMBER COMMAND
LATER9TH BOMB DIVISION (M)
1st Pathfinder Squadron (P):Squadron Insignia: unknown
Motto: unknown
Sobriquet: unknown
Squadron Code: I HAircraft Markings:
This unit had its own individual code designation which was
generally applied in the prescribed location, along with the respec
tive aircraft call letter, in No. 610 Sky. There were no other known
distinguishing marks or colors attributed to this unit.
Overseas Stations:No.485/Great Sailing, Essex; 13-Feb-44
Combat Operations:21-Feb-44 thru 3-May-45
All personnel operating with this special unit were volunteers
and serving on a detached duty status from other bomb groups
within the IX Bomber Command structure. The speciality of
this unit was guiding regular bombers to the target under 10/10
(zero visibility) conditions. The familiarity of the crews of the 1st
Pathfinder with state-of-the-art radar and instrumentation flying
allowed the Ninth to conduct bombing raids that would have been
cancelled prior to this units formation.
11-2(j '~IIUlIUJJ)J~U' (,1m / OIlOm
97
99TH COMBAT
BOMBARDMENTWING (MEDIUM)
(NOVEMBER 1943)
449TH
BOMBSQDN
IX BOMBER COMMAND
LATER9TH BOMB DIVISION (M)
r
450TH
BOMBSQDN
451ST
BOMBSQDN@)Walt Disney Productions
98
452D
BOMBSQDN
)1-26 ')IAUIUJJ)I~U'
322d Bomb Group (M):Motto: 'Recto Faciendo Neminem Timeo'
('I Fear None In Doing Right')
Sobriquet: 'Nye's Annihilators'
Campaign Streamers:Air Offensive, Europe; Normandy;
Northern France; Southern France;
Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe.
Unit Decorations:Distinguished Unit Citation: ETO, 14-May-43 thru 24-Jul-44
Overseas Combat Commanders:Lt.Col. Robert M. Stillman, 17-Mar-43
Col. Glenn C. Nye, 19-May-43
Col.-John S. Samuel, Jul-44
Overseas Stations:No.468 Rougham (Bury St. Edmunds), Suffolk; I-Dec-42
No.485 Great Sailing / Andrews Field, Essex; Jan-43
A -61 Beauvais-Tille, Picardie; Sep-44
A-89 LeCulot, Province de Namur; Mar-44
Combat Operations:14-May-43 thru 24-Apr-45
( originally assigned to Eighth AAF).
I
RoughamAlPAAF Station No.468
GreatSailingAlPAAF Station No.485
Insignia / Markings:Group Insignia: officially approved 9-Jan-43
Squadron Insignia:449th BS; officially approved 12-Jul-43
450th BS; officially replaced 13-Jun55
451st BS; officially replaced 2-May-55
452d BS; officially replaced 22-Jul-55
Squadron Codes:449thBS - PN450th BS - E R451stBS-SS
452d BS - D R
Squadron Colors: none
Aircraft Markings:Squadron code and call letters were positioned on both sides
of fuselage directly fore and aft of the national insignia. Colors
used were RAF or ANA 610 Sky on camouflaged surfaces and
later black on natural metal finishes. The 322d never developed
a distinctive group marking for use on the tail section of their air
craft but carried only the call number in Identification Yellow.
LeCuwtAlPAAF Station A-89
Beauvais-Tille AlPAAF StationA-61
99
,
456TH
BOMB SQDN
454TH
BOMB SQDN
100
IX BOMBER COMMAND
LATER
9TH BOMB DIVISION (M)
98TH COMBAT
BOMBARDMENT
WING (MEDIUM)
( NOVEMBER 1943)
455TH
BOMB SQDN
453D
BOMB SQDN
11-2() ')IIUlIUJJ)J~Il'
1--
323d Bomb Group (M):Motto: 'Vincamus Sine Timoris'
('Without Fear We Conquer')Sobriquet: 'The White Tails'Campaign Streamers:Air Offensive, Europe; Normandy; Northern France;Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe.Unit Decorations:Distinguished Unit Citation: Belgium/Germany,24 thru 27 December, 1944Overseas Combat Commanders:Col. Wilson R. Wood, 13-Mar-43Col. Rollin M. Winingham, 14-Feb-45Overseas Stations:No.Jl9 Horham, Suffolk; 12-May-43No.358 Earls Colne, Essex; 14-Jun-43No.408 Beaulieu, Hampshire; 21-Jul-44A-20 Lessay, Basse-Normandie; 26-Aug-44A-40 Chartres, Centre-Val-de-Loire; 21-Sep-44A-69 Laon-Athies, Picardie; 13-0ct-44A-83 Denain-Prouvy, Nord-Pas-De-Calais; 9-Feb-45Combat Operations:15-Jul-43 thru April 1945(originally served in combat with Eighth AAF)
HorhamAiFAAF Station No. 119
Beaulieu AlFAAF Station No.408
Insignia / Markings:Gl"OUP Insignia: officially approved 16-Feb-43Squadron Insignia:453d BS; unofficial, replaced I-Feb-57454th BS; unofficial, replaced 6-Dec-56455th BS; unofficial, replaced 7-Jan-57
456th BS; unofficialSquadron Codes:453dBS-VT454th BS - R J455th BS - Y U456thBS - WTSquadron Colors: noneAircraft Markings:
Squadron code and call letters were positioned on both sidesof fuselage directly fore and aft of the national insignia. Colorsused were RAF or ANA 610 Sky on camouflaged surfaces andlater black on natural metal finishes. The 323d adopted the useof a white horizontal stripe measuring approximately 30 inches
in height, whence was derived the White Tails sobriquet.
101
494TH
BOMB SQDN
,
495TH
BOMB SQDN
496TH
BOMB SQDN497TH
BOMB SQDN
102
344th Bomb Group (M):Motto: 'We Win Or Die'
Sobriquet: 'The Silver Streaks'
Campaign Streamers:
American Theatre, Air offensive Europe; Normandy;
Northern France; Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe.
Unit Decorations:
Distinguished Unit Citation: France, 24 thru 26 July, 1944
Overseas Combat Commanders
Col. Reginald F.C. Vance, 19-5ep-43
Col. Robert W. Witty, 7-Nov-44
Overseas Stations:
No.169 Stansted, Essex; 9-Feb-44
A-59 Cormeilles-en-Vexin, I1e-de-France; 30-Sep-44
A-78 Florennes-Juzaine, Province de Namur; 5-Apr-45
Combat Operations:
6-Mar-44 thru April, 1945
StanstedAlFAAF Station No.169
Insignia / Markings:Group Insignia: officially approved 9-Jan-43Squadron Insignia:494th BS; officially approved 7-Jul-44495th BS; unofficial496th BS; unknown
497th BS; officially approved 15-May-43Squadron Codes:494th BS - K 9495th BS - Y 5496th BS - N 3497th BS -7 ISquadron Colors: noneAircraft Markings:
The group marking for the 344th was the application of anequilateral triangle to the aircraft's upper tail section immediately above the call number. These triangles were white on bothcamouflaged and natural metal surfaces, the difference beingthat in the latter case there was an inner 3-4 inch black border.
Squadron codes and aircraft call letters were located fore and aftthe fuselage national insignia and were painted No.610 Sky oncamouflaged airframes, black on natural metal surfaces.
103
99TH COMBATBOMBARDMENTWING (MEDIUM)(OCTOBER 1944)
552D
BOMBSQDN
IX BOMBER COMMAND
LATER
9TH BOMB DIVISION (M)
,
553D
BOMBSQDN
554TH
BOMBSQDN@Walt Disney Productions
104
555TH
BOMBSQDN
11-2(j '~ll\lllUJnl~U' / 1l-2(j 'IN\T1UmU'
386th Bomb Group M):Motto: unknown
Sobriquet: unknown
Campaign Streamers:
Air Offensive, Europe; Normandy; Northern France;
Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe.
Unit Decorations:
Distinguished Unit Citation: ETO, 30-Jul-43 thru 30-Jul-44
Overseas Combat Commanders:
Col. Lester J. Maitland, 1-Dec-42
Col. Richard C. Sanders, 18-Nov-43
Col. Joe W. Kelly, 22-Jan-44
Col. Thomas G. Corbin, 25-Aug-44
Overseas Stations:
No.138 Snetterton Heath, Norfolk; 3-Jun-43
No.I50 Boxted, Essex; 1O-Jun-43
No.I64 Great Dunmow, Essex; 24-Sep-43
A-60 Beaumont-sur-Oise, Picardie; 2-0ct-44
A-92 St. Trond, Province Limburg; 9-Apr-45
Combat Operations:
15-J 1-43 thru 3-May-45
(Previously served in combat with the Eighth AAF).
BoxtedAiFAAF Station No. 150
Great Dunmow AlFAAF Station No. 164
Insignia / Markings:Group Insignia: unofficial (signage)Squadron Insignia:552d BS; officially approved 16-Apr-43553d BS; unofficial554th BS; officially approved 2-Apr-43555th BS; unofficialSquadron Codes:552d BS - R G553dBS-AN554th BS - R U555th BS - Y ASquadron Colors: noneAircraft Markings:
Squadron code and call letters were positioned on both sidesof fuselage directly fore and aft of the national insignia. Colorsused were RAF or ANA 610 Sky on camouflaged surfaces andlater black on natural metal finishes. The 323d adopted the useof a yellow horizontal stripe measuring approximately 30 inchesin height. This marker was accented with 3-4 inch black stripestop and bottom on natural metal finishes and was thus applied onboth the B-26 and later (21-Feb-45) the groups A-26 aircraft.
105
98TH COMBATBOMBARDMENTWING (MEDIUM)
( NOVEMBER 1943)
556TH
BOMBSQDN
•
5BOMBSQDN
106
,
557TH
BOMBSQDN
559TH
BOMBSQDN
11-2(; '~I1UtlUJJ)J~U'
Insignia / Markings:Group Insignia: unknown
Squadron Insignia:456th BS; officially replaced 25-Apr-62457th BS; officially approved 19-Apr-43458th BS; unofficial
459th BS; unofficialSquadron Codes:
456th BS - FW457thBS - K S458thBS - K S459thBS - T QSquadron Colors: noneAircraft Markings:
The tail marking of the 387th was one of the best recognized ofall the medium bomb group identification markers. The alternating pattern of yellow and black stripes of equal width created a
distinctive and unmistakable image and was incorporated withoutmodification to both camouflaged and natural metal finishedairframes. The location of squadron codes and call letters wasconsistent with other medium bomb groups within the NinthAAF, i.e. RAF or ANA No.610 Sky on painted surfaces, blackon natural metal finishes.
387th Bomb Group (M):Motto: unknown
Sobriquet: 'Tiger Tails'
Campaign Streamers:
Air offensive Europe; Normandy; Northern France;
Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe.
Unit Decorations:
Distinguished Unit Citation: Germany, 23-Dec-44
Overseas Combat Commanders
Col. Carl R. Storrie, 19-Jan-43
Col.Jack E. Caldwell, 8-Nov-43
Col. Thomas M Seymour, 13-Apr-44
Col. Grover C. Brown, 18-Jul-44
Overseas Stations:
No.162 Chipping Ongar, Essex; 25-Jun-43
No.452 Stony Cross, Hampshire; 18-Jul-44
A-15 Maupertus, Basse-Normandie; 22-Aug-44
A-39 Chateaudun, Centre-Val-de-Loire; 18-Sep-44
A-71 Clastres, Picrdie; 30-0ct-44
Y-44 Maastricht, Provincie Limburg; 29-Apr-45
Combat Operations:
Aug-43 thru April, 19454
Stony Cross AlFAAF Station No.452 MaupertusAlF
AAF StationA-15
107
99TH COMBATBOMBARDMENTWING (MEDIUM)
(JANUARY 1944)
572D
BOMBSQDN
IX BOMBER COMMAND
LATER
9TH BOMB DIVISION (M)
,
573D
BOMBSQDN
574TH
BOMBSQDN@ Warner Bros.
108
575TH
BOMBSQDN
1.I)I-2(j '~IIUlIUJnl~U'
391st Bomb Group (M):Motto: 'Virtute Alisque'
('With Wings and Courage')
Sobriquet: unknown
Campaign Streamers:Air offensive Europe; Normandy; Northern France;
Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe.
Unit Decorations:Distinguished Unit Citation: Germany,
23 thru 26 December, 1944
Overseas Combat CommandersCol. Gerald E. Williams, 23-Jan-43
Overseas Stations:No.J66 Matching, Essex; 25-Jan-44
A-73 Roye-Amy, Picardie; 19-5ep-44
Y-29 Assche, Province de Brabant; 16-Apr-45
Combat Operations:15-Feb-44 thru 3-May-45
1.) Converted to A-26 'Invaders' on 1O-Apr-45
Matching AlPAAF Station No.166
Insignia / Markings:Group Insignia: approved ll-Jan-54 from WWII design
Squadron Insignia:572d BS; unknown
573d BS; unofficial
574th BS; unknown
575th BS; officially approved 2-Dec-43
Squadron Codes:572d BS - P2573d BS - T6574tl1 BS - 4 L575tl1 BS - 08Squadron Colors: none
Aircraft Markings:The 391st adopted a yellow equilateral triangle as their Group
identification marker. This geometric symbol was positioned on
the upper tail section directly above the aircraft call number and
included a 3-4 inch black border on natural metal finishes.
Squadron codes and aircraft call letter were applied to the fuse
lage with Sky on camouflaged finishes, black on metal surfaces,
and positioned fore and aft the national insignia.
109
98TH COMBAT
BOMBARDMENT
WING (MEDIUM)
(MARCH 1944)
584TH
BOMBSQDN
586TH
BOMBSQDN
IX BOMBER COMMAND
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9TH BOMB DIVISION (M)
110
,
585TH
BOMBSQDN
587TH
BOMBSQDN
U-2() '~11UllUJl)I~US'
Insignia / Markings:Group Insignia: approved 15-Apr-54 from WWII design
Squadron Insignia:584th BS; officially approved 31-Dec-43585th BS; officially approved 9-Dec-43586th BS; officially approved 29-Jun-43587th BS; officially approved 26-0ct-43
Squadron Codes:584th BS - K 5585th BS - 4 T586thBS - H 9587th BS - 5 WSquadron Colors: noneAircraft Markings:
The location and colors of squadron codes and call letters wereconsistent with other medium bomb groups within the Ninth AAF.The group marker was a diagonal white stripe, approximately 24inches in width, ascending from the lower front base of the verti
cal stabilizer at an angle of 45°, and terminating at the stabilizersupper trailing edge. This device was accompanied by 3 to 4 inchdiagonal border stripes running the length, top and bottom, ofthe white marker band on natural metal surfaces.
394th Bomb Group (M):Motto: 'Readiness Strengthens Liberty'
Sobriquet: 'Bridge Busters'
Campaign Streamers:
American Theater; Air offensive Europe; Normandy;
Northern France; Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe.
Unit Decorations:
Distinguished Unit Citation: France, 7 thru 9 August, 1944;
French Croix de Guerre with Palm, France, 6-June thru
14-September, 1944
Overseas Combat Commanders
Col. Thomas B. Hall, 6-Apr-43
Col. Gove C. Celio Jr., c. 24-Jan-45
Overseas Stations:No.161 Boreham, Essex; c. ll-Mar-44
No.455 Holmsley, Hampshire; 24-Jul-44
A-13 Tour-en-Bassin, Basse-Normandie; 25-Aug-44
A-50 Orleans / Bricy, Centre-Val-de-Loire; 18-Sep-44
A-74 Cambrai / Niergnies, Nord-Pas-De-Calais; 8-0ct-44
Y-55 Venlo, Provincie Limburg; 21-May-45
Combat Operations:~
23-Mar-44 thru 8-May-45
BorehamAiFME Station No. 161
111
98TH COMBAT
BOMBARDMENT
WING (MEDIUM)
(APRIL 1944)
596TH
BOMBSQDN
IX BOMBER COMMAND
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9TH BOMBARDMENT nIV (M)
,
597TH
BOMBSQDN
598TH
BOMBSQDN © Warner Bros.
112
599TH
BOMBSQDN
11-2(j '}IIUlIUJm~U'
397th Bomb Group (M):Motto: unknown
Sobriquet: unknown
Campaign Streamers:
Air offensive Europe; Normandy; Northern France;
Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe.
Unit Decorations:
Distinguished Unit Citation: Germany, 23-December, 1944;
Overseas Combat Commanders
Col. Richard T. Coiner Jr., 5-0ctober, 1943
Overseas Stations:
No.154 Gosfield, Essex; 5-Apr-44
No.168 Rivenhall, Essex; 15-Apr-44
No.492 Hum, Hampshire; 4-Aug-44
A-26 Gorges, Basse-Normandie; Aug-44
A-41 Dreux, Centre-VaJ-de-Loire; c.ll-Sep-44
A-72 Peronne, Picardie; 6-0ct-44
Y-55 VenIo, Provincie Limburg; 25-Apr-45
Combat Operations:
May-44 thru 25-Apr-45
I
GosfieldAlPME Station No. 154
RivenhallAlPME Station No.168
HurnAiPME Station No.492
Insignia / Markings:Group Insignia: unknown
Squadron Insignia:596th BS; officialIy approved 20-Mar-45597th BS; officially approved 20-Dec-43598th BS; officiaJly approved 5-Feb-44
599th BS; officially approved 1O-Jun-44Squadron Codes:596th BS - X 2597th BS - 9 F598th BS - U 2599th BS - 6 BSquadron Colors: noneAircraft Markings:
The identification marker specifications for the 397thBG wereidentical as those for the 394thBG except for the base color which
was yellow in the case of the 397th. The common practice withboth of these two groups when applying their respective diagonalmarkers, was to block-mask out the aircraft call numbers prior tothe actual marker application.
Squadron codes and aircraft call letters were located fore and
aft the fuselage national insignia, black on metal finishes, ANANo. 610 Sky on camouflaged surfaces.
113
97TH COMBAT
BOMBARDMENT WING
(MEDIUM) LATER (LIGHT)
(NOVEMBER 1943)
640TH
BOMBSQDN
IX BOMBER COMMAND
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9TH BOMBARDMENT DIV (M)
,
641ST
BOMBSQDN
642D
BOMBSQDN
114
643D
BOMBSQDN
T1\-20 'I11"ro(~' / 1\-2(j 'IN,r1\m~U'
409th Bomb Group (Motto: unknown
Sobriquet: unknown
Campaign Streamers:Air offensive Europe; Normandy; Northern France;
Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe.
Unit Decorations: none
Overseas Combat CommandersCol. Preston P. Pender, Jun-43
Col. Thomas R. Ford, 4-Jul-44
Overseas Stations:No.165 Little Walden, Essex; 7-Mar-44
A-48 Bretigny, Ile-de-France; Sep-44
A-70 Laon / Couvron, Picardie; 15-Feb-44
Combat Operations:14-Apr-44 thru 3-May-45
Little Wa!Jen AlFME Station No.165
"D
Insignia / Markings:Group Insignia: unknownSquadron Insignia:640th BS; officially approved 14-Mar-44641st BS; officially approved 21-Dec-43
642d BS; unofficial643d BS; officially approved 18-Jan-44Squadron Codes:640th BS - 5 W
641st BS -7 G642d BS - D 6643d BS - 5 ISquadron Colors: none
Aircraft Markings:The tail marking of the 409th was the simple application of a
yellow color band along the trailing edge of the tail rudder, approximately 30-36 inches in width. The location of squadron codes and
call letters was consistent with other medium bomb groups withinthe Ninth AAF, and applied to both the A-20 'Havoc' and A-26'Invader' to which the 409thBG converted in December 1944.
115
97TH COMBAT
BOMBARDMENT WING
(MEDIUM) LATER (LIGHT)
(NOVEMBER 1943)
644TH
BOMB SQDN
646TH
BOMBSQDN
IX BOMBER COMMAND
LATER
9TH BOMBARDMENT nIV (M)
116
,
645TH
BOMBSQDN
6BOMBSQDN
410th Bomb Group (L):Motto: unknown
Sobriquet: unknown
Campaign Streamers:
Air offensive Europe; Normandy; Northern France;
Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe.
Unit Decorations:
Distinguished Unit Citation: Germany,
23 thru 25 December, 1944
Overseas Combat Commanders:
Col. Ralph Rhudy, 17-Sep-43
Col. Sherman R. Beaty, 3-Jul-44
Col. Robert J. Hughey, Dec-44
Overseas Stations:
No.149 Birch, Essex; c. 4-Apr-44
No.154 Gosfield, Essex; c.16-Apr-44
A-58 Coulommiers,Ile-de-France; ep-44
A-68 Juvincourt, Champagne-Ardenne; eb-45
Combat Operations:
I-May-44 thru April, 1945I.) The 410th was in the process of converting to the
A-26 'Invader' when the war ended.
BirchAiFAAF Station No.149
GosfieldAlFAAF Station No. 154
Insignia / Markings:Group Insignia: unknownSquadron Insignia:644lh BS; officially approved 21-Dec-43645lh BS; officially approved 29-Dec-43
646lh BS; officially approved 29-Dec-43647lh BS; officially approved 15-Nov-43Squadron Codes:644lh BS - 5 D645lh BS -7 X646th BS - 8 U647th BS - 6 QSquadron Colors: Some use of colors was utilized within
the four squadrons on spinners and engine cowlings but thisappears to have been sporadic and somewhat random. As bestcan be determined these colors were as follows: 644thBS-red;647thBS-yellow; 646thBS-medium blue; 645thBS-white.Aircraft Markings:
The 41 Oth group marking consisted of painting the trailing edgeof the tail rudder white with the subsequent addition of threeblack stripes. The overall effect was very much in keeping withthe fuselage Invasion Stripes. Squadron codes and call letters wereapplied to the fuselage with white paint.
117
97TH COMBAT
BOMBARDMENT WING
(MEDIUM) LATER (LIGHT)
(NOVEMBER 1943)
668TH
BOMBSQDN
IX BOMBER COMMAND
LATER
9TH BOMBARDMENT DIV (M)
r
669TH
BOMBSQDN
'SURE SHOT SULLY'
670TH
BOMBSQDN'BEAKY THE BOMBER'
118
671ST
BOMBSQDN
1\-20 'I11"'O(~' !1\-2(; 'IN\'lUnm,'
416th Bomb Group (L):Motto: unknownSobriquet: unknownCampaign Streamers:Air offensive Europe; Normandy; Northern France;
Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe.Unit Decorations:Distinguished Unit Citation: France, 6 thru 9 August, 1944Overseas Combat CommandersCol. Harold L. Mace, Oct-43
Col. Theodore R. Aylesworth, 3-Aug-44Overseas Stations:No.170 Wethersfield, Essex; Feb-44A-55 Melun, Ile-de-France; Sep-44
A-69 Laon / Athies, Picardie; Feb-45Combat Operations:3-Mar-44 thru 3-Mar-45
Insignia / Markings:Group Insignia: unknownSquadron Insignia:668th BS; officially approved 3-Jun-43669th BS; officially approved 28-Jul-43670th BS; officially approved 29-Jun-43671st BS; officially approved 13-May-43Squadron Codes:668th BS - 5 H669th BS - 2A670th BS - F6671st BS - 5 CSquadron Colors: noneAircraft Markings:
The tail marking of the 387th was the application of a whitediagonal stripe emanating inwards from the trailing edge of the tailrudder. This device was carried over to the A-26 'Invader' whenthe group converted to that aircraft in November 1944. Fuselagetactical markings were consistent with Ninth AAF specificationsand were applied with white paint on camouflaged su~faces, blackon natural metal finishes
119
120
,
Although greatly appreciated within the army in which theyserved, little attention is today given these diminutive single engineaircraft, yet the pilots ofthese slow unarmed ships made an invaluable contribution to the war effort throughout the entire conflictand in every theater of operation throughout the world.
The first rule of thumb if one found oneself assigned to anoverseas liaison unit was 'don't unpack'. The length of stay at anygiven duty station might be a matter of weeks or mere hours, it alldepended upon any number of variables. There were of course, asin all matters, exceptions to the rule, but for the most part duty witha liaison outfit in a combat area was one of constant movement.
The duties involved with being a liaison pilot varied greatlyand often depended largely upon the immediate needs of the unitbeing currently served. One of the more important duties from atactical perspective was that of Forward Artillery Observer.
The job of an artillery observer, or pOller, entailedflying close enough to enemy line to have everythingup to and including the kitchen ink thrown at them while maintaining radio contact with the artillery commander in order todirect fire upon enemy po ition . The enemy of course was all toaware of the presence and purpo e of thi harmless looking aircraftand this is where the kitchen ink part comes in. Everything thatcould shoot would focus it undivided attention upon this slowmoving, tubular famed, fabric covered, unarmed and unarmoredtarget in an earnest attempt to terminate it mi ion, permanentlyif possible.
A~rial reconnaissance was another fun job. Here again onewas likely to find ones self over enemy held territory, unarmedexcept for perhaps a pistol, a pair of binoculars and maybe anaerial camera. The key point to these operations was that in orderto locate the enemy you had to fly low and slow enough to seethem, which meant that they could see you, which meant thatthey would once again begin shooting at you. Here's where thatproverbial kitchen sink comes into play once more, and while theenemy is throwing it at you, you're watching him do it throughyour binoculars, or perhaps in your cameras view finder. The term'Sitting Duck' might well have been coined with these types ofmissions in mind.
The question often arises as to the difference between reconnaissance conducted by a liaison outfit as opposed to that of aphoto recon unit. In simplest terms, and this is admittedly an oversimplification, formal photo reconnaissance generally took placeimmediately before and immediately following a raid or battle.Reconnaissance by a liaison unit generally took place while thatbattle was in progress.
Upon returning to your assigned field (presuming of courseyou did return) you may have a few post-mission drinks at thelocal officers or enlisted men's club (provided there was one) andlisten to some fighter jock regale you with his tales and tell youwhat 'real flying' was all about.
There were many other types of missions carried out by liaisonpilots throughout the war. These operations involved the medicalevacuation of the critically wounded, relaying communications,battle plans and personnel between the front lines and rear command centers. The rescue of downed airmen, sometimes behindenemy lines, was another fun filled mission. Then of course theLiaison pilot could invariably be called upon at any given timeto act as an airborne taxi driver to whomever had enough clout tomove from Point-A to Point-B by means other than routine
ground transportation.
Many types of aircraft were utilized by liaison pilots but by farthe most common, and recognizable, were the two types depictedabove, the Piper L-4 'Cub' and Stinson L-5 'Sentinel'. Within the'L' Series, the L-2, L-3, L-4 and L-6 type shared a common butunpopular Army nickname, the 'Grasshopper'. Most pilots andground crew generally referred to these aircraft by their civiliansobriquets or more simply with their respective designator, i.e.LA, L-6, etc. Prior to the AAF redesignation from Observationto Liaison in April 1942, these aircraft were labeled with an '0'designator. Thus 0-57, 0-58, 0-59, 0-54, and 0-63 became theL-2, L-3, L-4, L-5 and L-6 respectively.
The inherit low landing speed of these single engine liaisonaircraft (approximately 35 miles per hour with an L-4), made themthe ideal means of accessing places unusable by other aircraft.The down side, as mentioned earlier, was the lack of armor orarmament. These aircraft were all powered by efficient, but lowhorsepower engines, as such they were handicapped when it cameto payload capacity, ceiling and range.
AJI things considered, the exploits of many a liaison pilot wouldhave, under different circumstances, been widely acclaimed andaccompanied with all honors bestowed upon their fellow pilotsin the fighters or bombers. Unfortunately, the harmless, almostfriendly appearance of the average liaison aircraft just didn't quitestrike a chord with those writing about the war. Even with theoccasional addition of sharks teeth nose art, an L-4 was none-theless the same type of airplane one well might have seen traversingthe pre-war skies. In all fairness to the journalists, liaison aircraftmay have faithfully performed many invaluable duties, but nomatter how hard they worked, how dangerous their missions orhow well they did their job, they just weren't a P-51.
121
Squadron Insignia: officially approved 5-Sep-42
Motto: unknown
Sobriquet: unknownAircraft: L-l 'Vigilant'; L-4 'Cub'; L-5 'Sentinel'
Campaign Streamers:Antisubmarine, American Theater; Normandy;
Northern France; Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe.
Unit Decorations: none
Overseas Stations:(no AAF/AF listing) Alderley Edge, Cheshire England; 9-Apr-44
(no AAF/AF listing) Knutsford, Cheshire England; ll-May-44
No.347/1bsley, Hampshire England; 29-Jun-44
(no ALG code) Nehou, Basse-Normandie France; 6-Jul-44
(no ALG code) Le Repas, Basse-Normandie France; 2-Aug-44
(no ALG code) Beauchamps, Basse-Normandje France; 4-Aug-44
(no ALG code) Poilley, Basse-Normandie France; 7-Aug-44
(no ALG code) St. Germain,Basse-Normandie France; 12-Aug-44
(no ALG code)Dampierre, Basse-Normandie France; 20-Aug-44
(no ALG code) Courcy, Centre-Val-de-Loire France; 25-Aug-44
(no ALG code) St. Maurice-aux-Riches-Hommes, France; 30-Aug-44
(no ALG code) Marson, Alsace France; 4-Sep-44
(no ALG code) Gussainville, Alsace France; 14-Sep-44
Y-42 /Nancy-Essey, Alsace France; 12-0ct-44
A-97/Sandweiler, District de Luxembourg, Luxembourg; 31-Dec-44
(no ALG code) Idar-Oberstein, Rheinland-Pfalz Germany; 27-Mar-45
(no ALG code) Berkersheim, Land Hessen Germany; :)-Apr-45
(no ALG code) Hersfeld, Land Hessen Germany; ll-Apr-45
R-96 /Erlangen, Land Bayern Germany; 22-Apr-45
R-66 / Regensburg/Prufening, Land Bayen Germany; 2-May-45
Overseas Operations:Combat, ETO; Jul-44 thru May-45
Squadron Insignia: officially approved 19-5ep-44
Motto: unknown
Sobriquet: unknown
Aircraft: L-l 'Vigilant'; L-2 'Tee-Cart";
L-3 'Defender'; L-4 'Cub'; L-5 'Sentinel';
Campaign Streamers:Northern France; Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe.
Unit Decorations: none
Overseas Stations:(no AAF/AF listing) Cheltenham, Gloucestershire England; 9-Apr-44
I.) No. 510 /Heston, Middlesex England; 25-Apr-44
(no ALG code) St. Sauveur-Ie-Vicomte, Auvergne France; lO-Aug-44
A-57 /Laval, Champagne-Ardenne France; 21-Aug-44
Y-4 / Buc, Il-de-France (Paris), France; 2-Sep-44
A-82 /Verdun, Lorraine France; 17-Sep-44
Y-80 /Wiesbaden, Land Hessen Germany; 2-May-45
Overseas Operations:ETO; May-44 thru May-45I.) Detachment assigned to Colombieres, Basse Normandie
France; c.24-Jul thru c.10-Aug 1944
122
Squadron Insignia: officially approved 6-Nov-43Motto: unknownSobriquet: unknownAircraft: L-l 'Vigilant' ; L-4 'Cub'; L-5 'Sentinel';L-6 'Cadet'; A-24 'Banshee'
Campaign Streamers: Rome-Arno; Northern France; Southern France; Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe.
Unit Decorations: Army Meritorious Unit Commendation,15-Aug thru 31-December, 1944
I.) Overseas Stations:
Epinal, Alsace France; 30-Sep-44 / 2-Jan-452) Buhl, Alsace France; I-Dec-44 / ll-Mar-45
Sarreguemines, Alsace France; 22-Mar-45Kaiserlautern, Rhineland-Pfalz Germany; 26-Mar-45Darmstadt, Hessen Germany; l-Apr-45
Kitzingen, Bavaria Bayern Germany; 15-Apr-45Gmund, Bavaria Bayern Germany; 27-Apr-45Augsburg, Bavaria Bayern Germany; 2-Jul-45
Overseas Operations:ETOIMTO; Apr-44 thru May-45I) The duty stations listed reflect only those to which the 72d
Liaison was assigned during its tenure with the Ninth AAF2) Detachment at Steinbourg, France; c.8-Dec-44 thru I-Jan-45
Squadron Insignia: officially replaced 9-Mar-54
Motto: unknownSobriquet: unknownAircraft: L-2 'Tee-Cart'; L-4 'Cub'; L-5 'Sentinel';L-6 'Cadet'; A-24 'Banshee'; UC-78 'Bobcat'
Campaign Streamers: Antisubmarine, American TheaterNorthern France; Rhineland; Central Europe.Unit Decorations: none
Overseas Stations:(no AAF/AF listing) Kingston Deverill, England; 9-Jun-44No.508/ Hurst Park, Surry England; 20-Jun-44I) No. 517 I Heston, Middlesex England; 30-Jun-44
(no ALG code) Jullouville, France; 27-Aug-442lY_4 / Buc, Ile-de-France (Paris) France; 24-Sep-44
Overseas Operations:ETO; Jun-44 thru May-45I) Detachment assigned to Valognes, France;
c.6-Aug thru c.9-Sep 19442) Detachment operating from Namur, Belgium;
26-0ct-44 thru c.ll-Feb-45
123
Squadron Insignia: officially replaced 4-Sep-51
Motto: unknown
Sobriquet: unknown
Aircraft: LA 'Cub'; L-5 'Sentinel'; L-6 'Cadet';
RA-24; A-20 'Havoc'; UC-78 'Bobcat'
Campaign Streamers: Antisubmarine, American Theater;
Rome-Arno; Rhineland; North Apennines; Po Valley.
Unit Decorations: none
Overseas Stations:(no ALG listing) St. Tropez, France; I-SepA4
Y-6/ Lyon-Bron, Lorraine France; 15-Sep-44
(no ALG listing) Vittel, Alsace France; 3-0ct-44
Overseas Operations:Combat in ETO and MTO; SepA4 thru 3-MayA5
I.) Detachments were assigned for various periods of time to
both the Ninth AAF and the First Tactical Air Force (Prov). The
121st Liaison Squadron spent most of the war operating in the
Mediterranean Theater with bases ranging from North Africa to
Italy.
,
Squadron Insignia: officla
Motto: unknown
Sobriquet: unknown
Aircraft: L-5 'Sentinel'
Campaign Streamers:Northern France; Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe.
Unit Decorations: Order ofthe Day, Belgian Army; 20-0ct
thru 17-Dec 1944 and 18-DecA4 thru 15-Jan-45:
Belgian Fourragere.
Overseas Stations:(no AAF/AF listing) Cheltenham, Glouchestershire England; c.8-Jun-44
(no AAF/AF listing) Chedworth, Glouchestershire England; 19-Jun-44
I.) No.435 / Erie Stoke Village, Wiltshire England; 9-Jul-44
(no ALG listing) St. Sauveur Lendelin, France; I-SepA4
A-27/ Rennes, Bretagne France; 3-Sep-44
(no ALG listing) Arion, Provincie de Luxembourg Belgium; c.l-Oct-44
Y-44/ Maastricht, Provincie Limburg Holland; 21-0ct-44
Y-56/ Munchen-Gladbach, Nordrhein-Westphalia Germany; 9-Mar-45
(no ALG listing) Haltem, Nordrhein-Westphalia Germany; 4-Apr-45
Y-99/ Gutersloh, Nordrhein-Westphalia Germany; 12-AprA5
R-38/ Brunswick-Broitzem, Niedersachsen Germany; 24-Apr-45
Overseas Operations:Combat, ETO; Aug-44 thru MayA5
I.) Detachments began operating from France in late August '44.
124
Squadron Insignia: officially approved 16-Dec-44
Motto: unknown
Sobriquet: unknownAircraft: A-24 'Banshee'; BT-13 'Valiant'; L-5 'Sentinel'
RA-24; UC-78 'Bobcat';
Campaign Streamers:Rhineland; Central Europe.
Unit Decorations: none
Overseas Stations:(no AAF/AF listing) Nantwich, Cheshire England; 13-
(no ALG listing) Somme-Suippe, Alsace France; 4-Feb-45
(no ALG listing) Celles, Province de Namur Belgium; 16-Feb-4
(no ALG listing) Ahrweiler, Rheinland-pfaltz Germany; 17-Apr-45
Overseas Operations:Combat, ETO; March thru May 1945
•
Overseas Stations:(no ALG listing) Vittel, Alsace France; 19-Feb-45
(no ALG listing) Kaiserslautem, Rheinland-Pfalz Germany; 5-Apr-45
(no ALG listing) Pfaffengrun, Sachsen Germany; 14-Apr-45
Overseas Operations:ETO; lO-March thru May 1945Squadron Insignia: unknown
Motto: unknown
Sobriquet: unknown
Aircraft: L-4 'Cub'; L-5 'Sentinel'
Campaign Streamers: Rhineland; Central Europe.
Unit Decorations: none
Overseas Stations:A-47/ Orly, Il-de-France (Paris) France; 24-0ct-44
Overseas Operations:ETO; Nov-44 thru May-45Squadron Insignia: none
Motto: unknown
Sobriquet: unknown
Aircraft: L-4 'Cub'; L-5 'Sentinel'; UC-78 'Bobcat'
Campaign Streamers:Rhineland; Central Europe.
Unit Decorations: none
125
,
126
"The nation with the best photoreconnaissance will win the war".Generaloberst Werner FreiheIT von Frit ch
Chief Of Army Command (1934-1935)Commander-in-Chief of the Army (1935-1938)
"Our photo reconnaissance pilots were instructedto fly on the theory that fighter planes win battleswhile camera planes win wars".General of the Air Force Henry Harley 'Hap' Arnold,Chief of the U.S. Army Air Forces (1941-1946)Member / Joint Chiefs of Staff (1942-1946)Combined British-American Chiefs of Staff (1942-1946)
The above quotes are included to illustrate a long standingparadox within the study of military hi tory. Both of the menquoted were exceptional military officers with a full understandingof their profession and each understood the critical importanceof timely photographic intelligence a it equated to success onthe battlefield. With this thought in mind the question arises asto just why so little attention has been given to a subject thesetwo influential leaders, and many other vi i nary military thinkers like them, thought so imp rtant to the utcome of a modernarmed conflict..
The importance of accurate and timely military intelligence iscertainly nothing new and in fact ha been a ought after commodity of any field commander w rth hi alt ince time immemorial.The means of obtaining thi intelligence ha evolved dramaticallyhowever, and this is especially true with the advent of men takingto the air. Until this time field reconnai ance was done either onfoot, horseback or boat, depending upon various factors prevalent a the time. Later still the advent and advances in the field ofphotography would come into play and reconnaissance becamean entirely new but equally dangerous ball game.
The French were amonghe first to use visual aeral reconnaissance in theorm of hot air balloonss far back as the Napolenic Wars. Less than halfcentury later both sides
nvolved in the Americanivil War, and especially
he Union, employed gasperated balloons in muche same way the French
ad earlier. Just how effectIve these early attempts at aeria reconnaissance were is asubject of study unto itself, suffice to say that these first crudeefforts were indeed successful enough for some of the better
military minds of all nations with foresight to see the potential oftactical aerial reconnaissance. Thus the stage was set for revolutionary advances in the field of intelligence gathering.
The dawning of the Twentieth Century soon found the worldembroiled in The War To End All Wars, which with the benefitof hindsight we now know it wasn't. It would be difficult, if notimpossible, to find a conflict in all of human history that saw somany radical changes from its beginning to its end.
The balloons, thoughbigger and better thantheir predecessors, were""-:;".,-~~~~..-::t:~~...•soon to be replaced by .~
fixed wing, tactical aerial re g 1
as a means of communicating enemy positions to local artillerycommanders. Photography soon came into its own as a strategicreconnaissance tool, assisting battle planners on both sides of theconflict as to their opponents precise location and strength.
127
'014/1 "'4UIf AND",Or06ItAI'NEJt
.sWITCHCO/tTIIOtllN6
CAMUA
at one time or another, most certainly been photographed anddocumented, paving the way for a successful landing.
This type of activity was taking place at varying levels in virtually every theatre of operation during the course of World WarII and aerial surveillance did not cease with the surrender of theAxis powers. The barrel that fired the last shot of World War IIhad not yet cooled before we found ourselves immersed in theCold War, during the course of which aerial reconnaissance tookquantum leaps forward, leaving the achievements and technological advances of the previous conflict far behind. These latteradvances however should in no way detract from the achievements
and accomplishments of the war years, which brings usack to the original question as to why the subject oferial reconnaissance during World War II has receivedut scant attention in the post war years.These pilots were certainly deserving of as much praisend public adulation as their contemporaries in the otherir branches. With the exception of the F-6 Mustang,ost all other reconnaissance aircraft flew
eep into enemy territory unarmed, depending uponpeed and stealth alone. In some cases photo recon airraft would be escorted by a fighter to supply top
cover but these servedmore as an extra pair ~~~~:,)(
;~.' ',-.-.;,'"
of eyes than any real ..•. "":i ~ "tangible protection. f" 'f' .
If jumped by a flight of enemy fighters the only hope the reconnaissance pilot had was swift evasion.
Whether flying a low level 'oblique' or high level vertical photomission, a reconnaissance pilot had to function in much the samemanner as the pilot of'a bomber, only alone. There was a set courseto follow with a pre-assigned mission target, and like a bombingmission, failure one time meant going back to the same target unti Ithat mission was successfully completed.
Aerial reconnaissance might well be compared to a pair of wintersocks; unseen, glamorless but absolutely vital when needed.
Both camera and film technologies experienced giant stridesbetween WWI and WWII, and with the outbreak of hostilities boththe Germans and Allies put forth extreme efforts to perfectthe practice of combat aerial photo reconnaissance. Specialtraining programs were established in order to maximize theend result of any given recon mission. Gone forever were thedays when someone would inform a fighter pilot that he wouldbe going out today to take a couple of pictures of a battle field,the age of the specialists had arrived and this applied not only tothe taking of the aerial surveillance photos, but in analyzing thecontent of these photos as well. Men and women on both sidesof the conflict became skilled atinterpreting aerial combat photographs to a point where each sidewas forced to elevate the art ofcamouflage to a new level. Thefailure of those on the ground toadequately make provisions forthe adequate concealment of
----"""..,---'!..J.jU~
ories pOSI IOn was to mVI e youradversary to pay you a visit with aload of bombs. Governments went togreat lengths to educate both theirsoldiers and civilians as well in theprinciples of aerial reconnaissanceand the necessary countermeasures.This was done in an effort to garner civi Ian support In areassubject to aerial bombardment to do what they could to help inan ongoing effort to thwart the effectiveness of photo reconnaissance by the enemy.
Part of the main Allied effort in this education process was todeploy operatives behind enemy line for the specific purpose ofeducating local resistance networks on just what to look for whenengaged in their own ground surveillance efforts. These measuresproved highly effective to the Allies, especially when it cameto the planning for the invasion of the European continent. Theintelligence received from these on-the-ground sources quicklyevolved into an aerial reconnaissance mission with the end resultbeing that by the time the Normandy Invasion took place, theoverall German defences on and around the Atlantic Wall had,
128
NIN'I'I1IJ .S.il.il.I;'. UI~(;ONNiUSSilNfl~SUIJiUUION fOJ)I~ INJ)I~X
~ fi'{[ - 12THTRS • §) fi'{[ - 15THTRS • II ®-30THPRS • mw-3 1STp RS} 1(FHPG(R): PG.l 0
~ WI -33DPRS • ~ @-34THPRS • (N/L)-155THPRS· II ~ -162 DTRS
~ fi'{[ -12THTRS • §) fi'{[ -15THTRS • II ® -30THPRS • ~ WI - 33 DPRS.. } 67HPG(R): PG.132
£~ -107THTRS • w~ -109THffiS • ~ ~ -153DLS • (N/L)-2911THBS
Wee: -10THPRS. ml1-22DTRS.~ -34THTRS. (N/L)-lll THTRS} 69THTRG: PG.134
~ WI -33 DPRS • £@ -160rnpRS • mID -161STPRS • ee: ID -162DPRS } 363D TRG: PG.136
129
130
,
10th Photogr phic Group (Reconnaissance):Motto: Argus ( Ceaseless Watch)
Sobriquet: unknownCampaign Streamers:American Theater; Air Offensive,Europe; Normandy; Northern France;Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe.Unit Decorations:Distinguished Unit Citation - France, 6 thru 20 May 1944Overseas Combat Commanders:Col. William B. Reed, 9-Sep-43Col. Russell A. Berg, 20-Jun-442.) Overseas Stations:No. 456 Chalgrove, Oxforfshire; Feb-44A-27 Rennes / St. Jacques, Bretagne; c.ll-Aug-44A-39 Chateaudun, Centre-Val-de-Loire; Aug-44A-64 St. Dizier / Robinson, Champagne-Ardenne; Sep-44A-94 Conflans / Doncourt, Lorraine; Nov-44Y-57 Trier / Eren, Rineland-Palatinate; Mar-45Y-64 Ober Olm, Hessen; c.5Apr-44R-28 Furth, Bavaria Bayern; c.28-Apr-45Combat Operations:Feb-44 thru 8-May-45L) Additional operational aircraft: L-l / L-5 / L-52.) Numerous detachments were assigned for duty with other
units at varying locations throughout the course of the war.
Insignia / Markings:Group Insignia: officially approved 29-Dec-42Squadron Insignia:12th TRS; WWI insignia, officially approved 2-Feb-2415th TRS; officially approved 2-Apr-2430th PRS; unknown31st PRS; officially approved 30-May-4433d PRS; officially approved 1O-Oct-4234th PRS; officially replaced 23-0ct-54155th TRS; originally 423d NFS. Redesignated 155th 22-Jun-44162d TRS; unknownSquadron Codes:12th TRS - Z M -15th TRS - 5 M - 30th PRS - I 631st TRS - 8 V - 33d PRS - S W34th PRS - S 9 (Mar - Oct 1944) X X - (Oct-44 thru May-45)155thTRS - unkwn - 162d TRS - I XSquadron Colors: unknown. Photographic material of the periodsuggests that some use of color existed on a number of aircraftwithin the group. To date however, no documentation has surfacedthat would indicate any uniform applications.Aircraft Markings:
In the final months of the war the 10th Photographic Groupadopted a tactical identification marker which involved the application of a checkerboard pattern to the upper third of both innerand outer tail fin surfaces. This pattern consisted of six to ten rowsof black and white rectangles on camouflaged (PRE) surfaces orsometimes black only when applied to a metal finished surface.
Matching AlFAAF Station No. 166
Rennes1St.]acquesAiF ===;:::~~.AAF Station A-27
Chateaudun AlFAAF Station A-39
~~9i=~n-U~~~~~===!ConflanslDoncourtAiFAAF Station A-94
131
r
XIX AIR SUPPORT CMDLATER
XIX TACTICAL AIR CMD
(JANUARY 1944)
132
I)-:m &: 1~-5 'Uf,I1'I'NINf,' / I)-51 &: I~-() '!HJS'l'l\Nf,'
67th Tactical Reconnaissance Group:Motto: unknownSobriquet: unknownCampaign Streamers:Antisubmarine, American Theater; Air Offensive, Europe;Normandy; Northern France; Rhineland;Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe.Unit Decorations:Distinguished Unit Citations - Le Havre andStraits of Dover, 15-February thru 20-March, 1944Overseas Combat Commanders:Col. Fredrick R. Anderson, cA-May-42Col. George W. Peck, 6-Dec-43Overseas Stations:I.) No. 466 Membury; Berkshire; Sep-42NoA49 Middle Wallop, Hampshire; Dec-43A-9 Le Molay, Basse-Normandie; Jul-44A-46 Toussus Ie Noble, Ile-de-France; Aug-44A-87 Charleroi, Province de Hainaut; Sep-44Y-51 Vogelsang, Nordrhein-Westphalia; Mar-45Y-83 Limburg, Hessen; c.2-Apr-44R-ll Eschwege, Hessen; c.1O-Apr-45Combat Operations:Dec-43 thru 8-May-45L) D~ty station when originally assigned to 8thAAF.
MemburyA/FME Station No.466
Middle WallopA/FME Station No.#9
LeMolayA/FAAF Station A-9
Toussus le Noble AlFAAF Station A-46
Insignia / Markings:Group Insignia: unknownSquadron Insignia:12th TRS; WWI insignia, officially approved 2-Feb-2415th TRS; officially approved 2-Apr-2430th PRS; unknown33d PRS; officially approved 1O-Oct-42J07th TRS; officially replaced 16-Sep-54109th TRS; officially approved 7-Mar-39153d LS; officially replaced 15-Dec-532911th BS (LXP); unknown. Organized from former 153d LnSq.Squadron Codes:12th TRS - Z M • 15th TRS - 5 M • 30th PRS - I 633d PRS - S W • 107th TRS - A X • 109th TRS - V X153d LS - Z S • 2911 th BS - unknown. This Provisional BombSquadron (L) was organized from the former 153d LiaisonSquadron after that unit was inactivated on 15-Dec-45.Squadron Colors: unknown.Aircraft Markings:
There is currently no evidence relating to tactical markings forthe 67th Tactical Reconnaissance Group. Most reconnaissanceunits did in fact adopt such a device in the final months of the war,however, to date no conclusive documentation or photographicmaterial pertaining to this subject has been located.
133
10THPHOTORCNSQDN
,
22DTACRCNSQDN
34THTACRCNSQDN
IlFHTACRCNSQDN
134
69th Tactical Reconnaissance Group:Motto: unknownSobriquet: unknownCampaign Streamers:Antisubmarine, American Theater; Central Europe.Unit Decorations:noneOverseas Combat Commanders:Col. John T. Shields, 21-Jan-45Overseas Stations:A-95 Nancy-Azelot, Lorraine; c.22-Mar-45Y-39 Hagunau, Alsace; c.2-Apr-45Combat Operations:March thru May 1945
Nancy / AzelotAlFAAF Station A-95
1,-5 'SI~N'I'INI~I/ /I?-(; '~nJS'I'l\N(J'
Insignia / Markings:Group Insignia: unknownSquadron Insignia:10th PRS; pre-war design of lOthRcnSq, details unknown22d TRS; WWI design officially approved I-Mar-2434th TRS; unofficial111th TRS; officially approved 6-Jun-33Squadron Codes:10th PRS - Y C (from Mar-44) • 22d TRS - Q L (from Mar-45)34th TRS - X X (from Mar-45) • ll1th TRS - unknownSquadron Colors: unknown.Aircraft Markings:
There is currently no evidence relating to tactical markings forthe 69th Tactical Reconnaissance Group.
135
33DPHOTORCNSQDN
(
,
160THPHOTORCNSQDN
161STPHOTORCNSQDN 162DPHOTO
RCNSQDN
136
o-au ,\ 1~-5 'U••II'1'NIN•• ' /1)-51 &: I~-() '}IlJS'I'i.\N••'
363d Tactical Reconnaissance Group:Motto: unknownSobriquet: unknownCampaign Streamers:Air Offensive, Europe; Normandy; Northern France;Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe.Unit Decorations:Order of the Day, Belgian Army, 1-0ct-44, 18-Dec-44 thru lSJan-4S, Belgian Fourragere.Overseas Combat Commanders:Col. John R Ulricson, S-Jun-43 (363d FG)Col. James B. Tipton, 7-May-44 (363d FG)Col. James M. Smelley, c.l-Sep-44Overseas Stations:A-97 Sandweiler,Dist:rict de Luxembourg; c.1-0ct-44Y-JO Le Culot, East; Provience de Brabant WaBon; c.29-0ct-44Y-55 Venlo, Provincie Limburg; Mar-4SY-99 Gutersloh, Nordhein-Westphalia; c.l S-Apr-4SR-37 Brunswick / Waggum, ach en-Anhalt; c.22-Apr-4SI.) Refer to pages 32-33 for arlier duty stations when
operating as the 363d Fighter Group)Combat Operations:I.) 23-Feb-44 thru 3-Sep-44 (363d FG)l2-~ep-44 thru 8-May-4S (363d TRG)
Sandweiler AlPAAF Station A-97
Insignia / Markings:Group Insignia: unknownSquadron Insignia:33d PRS; officially approved 1O-Oct-42160th PRS; unknown161st PRS; unknown162d PRS; unknownSquadron Codes:33d PRS - 2 W ( Oct-44 thru May-4S)160th PRS - A 9 (retained original 363d FS code)161st PRS - B 3 (retained original 363d FS code)162d PRS - C 3 (retained original 363d FS code)Squadron Colors:
The 363d utilized individual squadron tactical colors whenoperating as a fighter unit (see pages 32-33) and there is someindication that this practice was carried over, perhaps semi-officially, subsequent to the units reorganization as a tacticalreconnaissance group. These colors would have been consistentwith those displayed on the aforementioned pages within thefighter section, however the additional color that may have beenadopted for use by the 33d PRS is unknown at this time.Aircraft Markings:
Squadron codes and call numbers were applied to camouflagedairframes with either white or yellow, black paint was utilized onnatural metal surfaces.
137
I
9th Reconnaissance Group (P)Motto: unknownSobriquet: unknownOverseas Stations:Attached squadrons were posted for brief periods at variousALG's located in France, Holland and Germany from October1944 through V-E Day.L) The III thTRS was on detached duty from the Eighth USAAF.
Both the 34thPRS and III thTRS were re-assigned to the69thTRG in February 1945.
Combat Operations: October 1944 thru 8-May-45
Insignia / MarkingsGroup Insignia: unknownSquadron Insignia:31stTRS: unofficial, originally developed by Walter LantzProductions for the original 31stObservation Squadron.34thPRS: officially replaced 23-Apr-54III thTRS: officially approved 6-Jun-33162dTRS: unknownAircraft & Markings: This unit operated with a wide assortment within their inventory. Markings were consistent withreconnaissance units operating within the Ninth AAF.
@Warner Bros.
138
139
USAAF CAMOUFLAGE & MARKINGSSince the advent of aerial warfare early in the Twentieth
Century it has been observed that one can determine how closeany given country is to going to war simply by observing theirmilitary aircraft. While this mjght be an oversimplification,there is nevertheless considerable merit in such a statement.
As war clouds would begin to gather, once shiny militaryaircraft soon display an assortment of camouflage paintschemes. Although this adage may not necessarily apply todayas much as it did in past conflicts, the fact is C.
that in times of peace there simply were few - '!
logical reasons for the application of paint tothe exterior of a metal finished aircraft. Inaddi tion to the obvious investment of materials and man-hours necessary for applying thepaint, there is a decrease in fuel efficiency dueto the additional weight and increased coefficient of friction or 'drag'. Slower and less 'maneuverable are characteristics one wou ldnot normally assign to any combat aircraft. It is thus easy to seewhy painting an aircrafts fuse
lage and wing surface area was .~~~~something to be avoided unlessso mandated by extreme necessity.That necessity arose, and still doesarise in time of war, when opposingforces possess similar offensivecapabilities i.e. the ability of bothbelligerents to attack each other'sairfields. It was under these veryconditions that air forces aroundthe world learned very early onthat it was not advisable to presentan attacking force with shinny stationary aircraft as targets.Unfortunately the most expedient, versatile method ofdiminishingtheprofi Ie of an airframe is with paint. Eventhe most elaborate of camouflage paint jobs however was nosure guarantee against detection by an attacking aircraft.The photo above depicts how an airframes contour outline canprovide convienant aiming points for enemy pilots.
The pos iti on of the sun, cloud cover, angle of attack, all arefactors that can assist or detract from the effecti veness ofalmost any attempt to obliterate the profile of a stationary aircraft.Many alternate methods of concealment from attacking forceswere utilized to one extent or another during the course ofWorld War II including camouflage netting, foliage canopiesand dugout revetments. Effective concealment involvedman-hours, materials and a significant reduction to a fighterscombat readiness response time. Given the highly mobilenature of WWII, surface paint proved to be the only consistently viable solution to the problem of profile disruption for mostbelligerents during the majority of this conflict.
The ever increasing presence of USAAF combat aircraft overthe skies of Great Britain and Western Europe brought aboutthe need for an improved means of unit identification for bothfighter and bombers alike. Eighth AAF aircraft soon displayed atypical two-color overall paint scheme, brightly colored (and
highly visible) nose and tail patterns. These obviously offsetany concealment advantages obtained with camouflage paint.By the time these high profile unit identification patternsbegan appearing however, Allied air power had seriouslyhampered the Luftwaffes ability to mount significant offensivesorties against Allied air bases in England. This was a transitional period in the European air war and the Luftwaffe wouldsoon find itself incapable of virtually any offensive efforts
..., whatsoever. Even so, the All ied air forceswere not about to become complacent wherethe Luftwaffe was concerned. There wasconsiderable discussion regarding theadvisability of issuing of SHAEF OperationMemorandum Number 23 of 18Apr44/Distinctive Markings-Aircraft, better knownto the world as D-Day or Invasion Stripes.Admittedly there was a definite need for
improved system of 'friendly Alliedaircraft' identification marksduring and immediately fol10wingtheNormandy fnvasionbut a series of large a Itern a tin g black & white stripes onfuselage, wings and em pen nage was hardly conducive toconceal-ment from an enemyaerial attack. There was considerable speculation at the timethat the Luftwaffe mightmount a massive retaliatoryraid against Allied ai I' bases inEast Anglia and these tacticalrecognition markings would
provide German pilots, gunners and bombardiers with aprime aiming point. Fortunately for the Allied cause the oncemighty Luftwaffe found itself incapable of such a reprisalraid and the concern proved to be a moot point, at least untilBritish and American fighter units were later redeployed to theEuropean Continent. Once on European soil the new Allied airbases came within range of the Luftwaffe home defencefighters. The controversial D-Day Invasion Stripes quicklydisappeared from upper surfaces ofthe redeployed Allied unitsfor the reason previously stated.
As the war continued to progress in the Allies favor,the combat aircraft of the Ninth began to take on a new look.With the threat of potential Luftwaffe attacks on Alliedairfields based in England virtually eliminated, Ninth USAAFfighters and bombers alike began to rapidly shed their existingcamouflage paint schemes and were soon reaping the benefitsinherent with a natural metal finished fuselage and wingsurface areas. Some ground crews would soon go as faras polishing and waxing the entire fuselage and wings of thefighters in their charge. This was in an effort to maximizeairflow over and around the airframe surface areas. The intentwas to provide the men flying these aircraft with a little extraadvantage, an advantage that in combat will often prove to bethe deciding factor separating victory from defeat.
140
The following diagrams show the official WW II / USAAFspecifications for placement of the national insignia and tail
numbers as they applied to the fighter aircraft depicted. It isimportant to note that a combat aircraft might undergo anynumber of surface modifications, some of which would alterthe original size and placement of the factory applicationsdepicted on these diagrams. To those il?terested in a specificaircraft at a specific time in World War II, it is strongly suggestedthat a thorough study and comparative analysis of actual
wartime photographs pertaining to that subject be conducted.Such research will often reveal variations in positioning, colorand configuration of markings and paint schemes differingfrom those detailed in official USAAF or ANA directives.
The three photographs in the adjacent column are includedto address a marking scheme developed and used by theU.S. Army Air Corps prior to the outbreak of hostilities in1941. These were colored cowling bands and fuselage command stripes. These devises were used to denote group, squadron
and flight leaders but were not much used overseas. A fewcombat un its did utilize some form of command stripe duringtheir wartime deployment, but this was not the norm within theNinth AAF during this organizations wartime deployment.
Tail, or serial numbers, were factory applied and varied from an8in. height on early applications to a 9in. height later in the war.The numerals were stenciled on using Insignia Yellow oncamouflaged aircraft and Black on metal finishedsurfaces. Factory applied numerals invariably ;.had th~ st~ncillines fill~d whil~ in-the-fieldl b': ..reapplicatIOns often omitted thiS final step. .t'.302~?6
f ) c~,.. ~ - c. ..
;~
:.: :-;;: : : : :::L -"" ••: :~-
.-~~' .'--.-'. ".i~: : : :;~
"-' .. ,~
t=~::::====' .~';:':";;';~~'_''':'-1---:------:====r 25.0"~
141
S(JItI~lnllUUNI~ 'SI)I'I'I~llU~' I )II{.V
32.0"1----- 36.0"--~-l
UASSF Spitfires did not generally employ the use of a yellowoutline on the national insignia located on the upper left wing,however this device was sometimes incorporated with theinsignia displayed on the lower right wing bringing theemblem diameter to 36.0in. The AAF insignia applied to theMk.V's were somewhat larger than normally seen on a U.S.airframe of the Spitfires size specifications. This was due to theexpediency of over painting the existing RAF roundel presenton all aircraft received from the British Air Ministry. All othermarkings were identical to those on an RAF Mk. V.
;.,N'" ,
'"N'"t
The insignia displayed on both under wing surfaces on the P-47were sometimes applied as large as 6.0in. in diameter. This wasin an attempt to keep this aircraft from being mistaken byAllied gun crews for a German Folke-Wulf Fw 190A whichshared a similar silhouette with the P-47. Tail numbers onthe P-47's were 7.5in. tall, yellow on a.D., black on metal.
..... 0 •••••••••••••
,'=?.-<<D____L
35.0"
UI~I)(JIU((~1)-L17 "I'IIIJNnl~UnOI;1' I '(~' "'DIUJ ')1' SI~IUI~S
" 1"2
.
0
"
---;F==r-;::;--;;-q;==::f"';;~G"~ ~
Ii
1_~~~~~3--
142
.)-tt7 '1'1\11. NIJlIIn~US
0) EARLY TAILSERIAL NO. POSmONING
KOlTOMOF NUMERALS
ALIGN WITH TOPOF RUDDER HINGE
(2) LATER TAILSERIAL NO. POSITIONING
Increased wartime production resulted in higher aircraft serialnumbers, and the addition of another digit to these numbersrequired a wider space than that of the original positioning(example 1). This minor space-fitting problem was solved bysimply dropping the base line down three inches to align withthe bottom of the central rudder hinge (example 2). Theoriginal location would have required a smaller stencil; thismove negated a reduction in numeral size. Tail numbers (alsoreferred to as call-numbers) were factory applied with yellowon standard camouflaged surfaces and black on metal finishes .
•)-t!7 l\U.I1m l~x.)lmI'l'.ONIUtylUU .~fnU~I~ IIIUUUNf;S (fUll'S)
QIM STRIPES WERE APPLIED TOBOTH UPPER & LOWER SURFACES
---15.0"(lYP.)
1---"'-124.0"(lYP.)(A) DIMENSION IVAS EmlER
30.0" OR 36.0" DEPENDING UPONEARLY OR LATER PLACEMENT OF SERIAL NUMBER
~ j--'----
j b:d
These markings, also known as U.K. Special Recognition,Friendly Fighter and Quick Identification Markings, wereadopted early in the original deployment of the U.S. EighthArmy Air Force to Great Britain. Due to a number of friendlyfire incidents it was determined that an additional form ofrecognition was needed to assist Allied gun crews in differentiating between German and American fighter aircraft. TheThunderbolt, as previously stated, was often mistaken for aGerman Focke-Wulf Fw-190A while the P-51's were just aslikely to be erroneously identified as a Mersserschmitt Bf 109.
It was the hope of both the British Air Ministry and AAF / VIIIFighter Command that these markings would alleviate many, ifnot most, of these 'mistaken identity' problems. There is noway of determining exactly how effective these QIM markingsproved to be in reducing friendly fire mishaps. However,even though gradually phased out as the war progressed, asubstantial number of 8th and 9th AAF fighter units continuedto display these markings until the cession of hostilities. Thestandard application for the QIM's on these fighters was whiteon camouflaged surfaces and black on natural metal finishes.
143
r
1------11'.0" ------1. i-",
o
o
'\,
An AAF/VIII Fighter Command directive of February 20, 1943regarding Friendly Fighter or Quick Identification Markings(QIM's) for the P-47 was similarly adopted for use on allP-51's operating in Great Britain as of November 1943. Forsome reason the stripes located on the vertical stabilizer ofcamouflaged Mustangs were ordered removed on 23Mar44.The wing and horizontal stabilizer markings were unaffectedby this directive for both painted and unpainted P-51 surfaces .
••...lJrnJ~~~~p:51,sWERE 8IN. IN HEIGHT.
144
llI.I.II~J) IN\TllSION (I)-J)llY) srI'IUI)I~S
BOOM PANEL Jourr TYPICALLY USED ASSTARTING POINT FOR THlS APPLICATION
Acting upon a top secret SHAEF directive that went into effect4Jun44 @1100 hours, all Allied aircraft operating from GreatBritain were ordered to display the following markings. Firstemployed in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations, thesesimple devices proved highly effective in reducing Allied aircraftlosses resulting from friendly-fire incidents. This directivewas later modified to allow Allied aircraft to display these patterns on the lower half of the fuselage and underwing surfacesand by late 1944 were ordered removed altogether.
-=--1 r- 18.0"(lYP.)
- 90.0" __
The D-Day Stripes were not intended as a replacement forthe existing Quick Identification Markings and although notincluded in these graphics the QIM's were, as a general rule, displayed along with the newer Allied Invasion Stripes.
1-......,------- 205.0" --------
c·--L 18.0"(lYP.)
187.5"1------(ApPx.)----~-
All Invasion Stripes consisted of an alternating pattern of blackand white stripes of equal measure, white being the first andlast stripe. This pattern sequence was followed regardless ofwhether applied to camouflaged or natural metal surfaces.
145
The overriding importance of tactical aircraft markings isthat of serving as an organizational tool for any given airforceat virtually all levels. From the initial form-up at a missionsbeginning to its conclusion, tactical markings serve as a visualaid to pilots, air and ground crew alike. The precision daylightbombing campaign carried out against Germany during WorldWar II would not have been possible without the bombers abilityto maintain tight 'combat box' flight formations. Tactical markings made this possible.
The Invasion and Allied Recognition Stripes (QIM's) utilizedby both the Eighth and Ninth U.S. Army Air Forces operatingfrom Great Britain were developed for the purpose of reducing theincidence of 'friendly fire' mishaps, and in this they were highlyeffective. The importance of national insignia on military aircrafthowever has been the subject of debate for many years.
Some form of national identity is of course necessary if for noother reason then compliance with numerous international treaties. The effectiveness of these symbols from a ground observersperspective was, and is today, a questionable issue.
A major contributing factor to this ongoing debate are represented on this page. These illustrations represent captured Americancombat aircraft that were pressed into service by the Luftwaffe.These are but a small sampling however of the total number ofsuch aircraft, from many different nations, that were 'drafted' toservice against their former owners. These aircraft came in manyshapes and sizes, from single engine liaison types to four enginebombers. Some of these were employed by the Luftwaffe solelyfor pilot training purposes while others, like those depicted above,were utilized for covert reconnaissance purposes.
,
There are documented instances where captured Allied aircraftwere used as decoys by Axis forces. The purpose of these decoyswas to lead an unsuspecting Allied pilot into an ambush where hewould run the risk of being downed by either by waiting enemyfighters or anti -aircraft batteries.
In order to keep their airmen from being treated as spies inthe event they went down behind Allied lines, standard militarymarkings were applied to these aircraft by the Luftwaffe. Whatis truly interesting is the fact that in spite of these markings theseaircraft were known to have not only entered Allied airspaceon numerous occasions, but completed their assigned missionswith impunity. Despite the presence of both the Balkenkreuz andSwastika on their airframes, these aircraft conducted their missions virtually undetected by Allied ground observers.
These examples and others like them added support to the argument against the necessity for the conspicuous national insignia,and is perhaps one of the underlying reasons many of today'scombat aircraft serving the United States and other nations carrynational markings of a subdued nature.
146
Due the inconsistencies inherent with offset printing it wouldbe an exercise in abject futility to attempt to accurately representthe actual colors developed for, and used by the AAF in WorldWar II. The following information may be useful however as areference for further examination into this complex subject.
ARMy/NAVY AERONAUTICAL .00AAF EQUIVALENT
This chart represents a bulletin issued by the ANA on 24-Mar44 ( No. 157a) and was intended as a tool to assist those unitsdeployed overseas, especially the European Theater, with apossible means of complying with current AAF color regs whenready access to proper inventory might not be possible.
BUREAU OF AERONAUTICS (2lRAF EQUIVALENT
(1) AAF Bulletin No. 41(2) Ministry of Aircraft Production Color Standards(3) 611 Interior Green is intended for standardization of the product obtained by tinting
zinc chromate primer (Spec.AN-TT-P-656) for shop coat or interior finish purposes.(4) 619 Bright Red, formerly called Insignia Red is intended for use as specified by the Bereau of Aeronautics.
'l'III~ 'f;OI.nnSII' iUVi\UnAlthough neither a tactical marking nor a unit insignia, this imageis included here to help preserve its existence, use and historicalsignificance. This 'award' originated with the RAF and was 'conferred' upon any pilot or air crew member who had the dubiousdistinction, and equally dubious experience, ofspending time floating in the ocean after beingforced to ditch over open water. This device wasquickly adopted by U.S. air crews upon theirdeployment to the ETO and were the sourceof pride among those select few who hadearned the right to wear one. The original'awards' were hand embroidered clothpatches which, in order to comply withuniform regulations, were generally sewnonto the underside of a lapel. Multiple'dunking's as they were known, weredenoted by the addition of 'hash marks'.These duplicate waves were sewn on below the original 'award'.
i\U.I1m '1?IUI~Nln.Y l?fnU;I~S'
lU~f;Of;NI'I'IONH.i\SIIThis device was first adopted by Allied forcesserving early in the war in the MediterraneanTheatre of Operations. This symbol was applied to both sides of an aircrafts verticalstabilizer in order to reduce the incidence of'friendly fire'. Many aircraft belonging to theNinth AAF continued to display this deviceafter this organizations transfer to the United
Kingdom. Although not authorized in the UK it was consideredsomething of a status symbol by the air crews of the Ninth, andthus its continued use was, for the most part, overlooked by manyAAF officials until these images either wore-off, were re-paintedor the aircraft was lost.
601 Insignia White Insignia White 46 Insignia White White602 Light Gray Light Gray. _603 Sea Gray Neutral Gray 43 Extra Dark Sea Gray
Dark Sea Gray &Ocean Gray
604 Black Black 44 Black Black
605 Insignia Blue Insignia Blue 47 Insignia Blue Dull Blue606 Semi-Gloss Sea Blue Semi-Gloss Sea Blue _607 Non-Specular Blue Non-Specular Sea Blue,
Dark Blue & Blue Gray _
608 Intermediate Blue Intermediate Blue---------------- ---------------609 Azure Blue Light Blue Azure Blue &
Deep Sky610 Sky Sky
611 Interior Green (3) :-::----::--_-:-::- (3l.~---:::__----------(3l _
612 Medium Green Medium Green 42 Light Green613 Olive Drab Dark Olive Drab 41"--- Dark Slate Gray &
Dark Green614 Orange Yellow Identification Yellow 48 __ 0range Yellow Yellow615 Middlestone Middlestone616 Sand Sand 49 _617 Dark Earth Dark Earth
618 Dull Red Insignia Red 45 Insignia Red Red619 Bright Red(4l Insignia Red(4) _
147
UNITED STATES ARMY AIR FORCEAIRFIELDS & ADVANCE LANDING GROUNDS/ITO
Often overlooked in the study of the air war in Europe duringWorld War II is the logistical side of this story. During this conflict, it has been estimated that an average of ten to twelve noncombatant personnel were required to support each man sentdirectly into harms way. This ratio may in fact have been evenslightly higher where the USAAF is concerned due to the natureof the technology involved at that time.
The accompanying map on this page will help in presenting aportion of the overall logistics involved in waging an effectiveoffensive air campaign in the mid-Twentieth Century.
A typical USAAF medium bomb group at full strength during WWII was made up of four squadrons totalling 1,442 menand 64 aircraft. A twin engine fighter group consisted of threesquadrons comprised of 1,037 personnel with 75 aircraft, whilea single engine fighter group had the same number of aircraftwith a compliment of 950. The amount of tools, equipment, materials, spare parts and other supplies necessary for anyone ofthese groups to keep their aircraft operational would in itself fillvolumes.
Each dot shown on the map above represents the location, atone time or another, of an Eighth or Ninth AAF combat groupbetween mid 1942 to 8-May-45. It is important here to point outthat this does in no way represent the full picture of the
total deployment of AAF units in this theatre during the war.Numerous bases in the north of England, Scotland and Irelanddo not show up on this particular map. Also not indicated arethe Royal Air Forces bases which were shared at various timeswith several AAF units, these being primarily troop transportgroups or Liaison Squadrons.
The logistics involved in relocating anyone of these units isstaggering, and yet they all had their beginnings in the UnitedStates, relocated to Great Britain, and many still went on to theEuropean Continent proper. And of course these units wereexpected to maintain their normal combat operations whilein transit. Ground crews worked feverishly after every movein order to keep the aircraft in their charge flying, while theEngineers kept expanding and improving the landing strips. Ifa group was assigned to an ALG with no existing structures,ground and air echelon alike slept in tents. This leap-frog scenario would continue as the Allied air elements followed thecontinuing advances of the ground forces into Germany itself.
It should be reemphasized here that these dots represent onlyairfields of the Eighth and Ninth Air Forces. When one factorsin the deployment of the RAF and other Allied air units, andthan considers all of the Allied ground elements, the overallcomplexity of this conflict is staggering.
148
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149
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150
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(1) NUMEROUS FTRGRPS WERE ATIACHED OR ASSIGNED TO THE70TH FTRWNG DURING THE WAR. THE GROUPS LISTED HEREINWERE ASSIGNED TO THE 70THFW AS OF D-DAY, JUNE 6TH 1944.
151
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Note on assignment lists: duplicate or multiple listings reflect reorganizing and/or reassignment ofnumerous units within the Ninth Air Force structure while this
organization was deployed in the ETO during the war.
IX Fighter Command was reorganized under the Tactical Air Command designation.
153
CI.OS G AaGUMDITinclusion within a design format: numerals of any kind; the flagor coat of arms of the United States; the letters 'U.S.'; geographical maps; military decorations; motto's or coat of arms ofany state, country or United States service branch.
Many units elected to request the services of professionalswithin the civilian sector to assist in the development of theirrespective insignia designs. Those within this art professionwho gladly contributed their services included such notablenames as Al Capp, Walter Lantz, Milt Canniff and v.T. Hamlin.By far the largest contributor to this design pool however was
Disney Studios. Walt Disney designed his first unit insignia forthe U.S. Naval Reserve Squadron in 1933 and by the end ofWorld War II Disney had created over 1,200 pro-bono designsfor virtually every branch ofgovernment service. Requestsfor these designs reached sucha large scale that a special fiveman department was c eated tomeet this overwelming demand.
By far however themajority of this effortseems to have goneinto designing insigniafor the U.S. Army AirForce and thiseffort was notto be totallyforgotten.Aspecial exhibitcommemoratingDisney Studioscontribution toAmerica's wareffort exists atthe National Museum of the United States Air Force located atWright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. Perhaps due to the rapidly changing nature of American society, these contributionsmade on behalf of U.S. servicemen by Disney, Warner Brothersand all the other artists during WW II are now largely a seldomacknowledged footnote in the history of this conflict.
Interest in the subject of unit, or combat insignia as it waspopularly known, was by no means confined to active duty personnel. Pearl Harbor had galvanized the country and the HomeFront stood unified in the war effort and expressed great interest in a wide variety of subjects connected with their servicemen overseas, unit insignia among them. The interest in combatinsignia was so keen in fact that entire marketing /advertisingcampaigns and promotional programs were developed utilizingthese insignia as the central theme.
From time to time the question invariably arises as to why onewould dedicate so much time and effort to a subject so obscureas unit insignia and tactical markings. The source of this typeof query are generally from the 'Big Picture' advocates, thoseindividuals who prefer to view history from the perspective ofcause and affect, and while there is nothing wrong with this approach to the study of history, it is often the smaller elementscomprising the whole that afford us insight into the human aspect of any given point in historical study.
The organizational, or practical side of tactical markings hasalready been addressed earlier in this text, what remains is thesubject of wartime unit insignia. Like the study of USAAFaircraft nose art during World War II, much of the individualcharacter of the men actually tasked with canying out the day today operations of the war can be gleaned through those imagesthey created. Several things become obvious when these images are viewed as a whole, the first of which was, even lackingsupportive information, that the men of the USAAF at this moment in history were little more than boys at the time, perhaps amore apt description would be young men.As such they were preoccupied with the opposite sex, a factreflected primarily through their nose art, but what we learnthrough the study of their unit insignia tells even more aboutthese young men. It tells us that taken as a whole, in addition totheir youth, they were somewhat unsophisticated by Europeanstandards but possessed of a keen sense of humor which, giventhe dire circumstances to which they were subjected, equateddirectly with confidence, and confidence in war is often a majordetermining factor between ultimate victory or defeat.
It must be pointed out however that interest in the subjectof unit insignia was not confined to the respective units themselves, in fact the full reality concerning these images was quitethe opposite during the war years. Those on the Home Frontexpressed a great deal of interest in these symbols as will bedemonstrated within the following pages.
Virtually anyone could design and submit a concept for asquadron and even group insignia. In order to become officiallyauthorized for display by a unit a design concept had to be submitted to the U.S. Army's Heraldric Department where it wouldsubsequently be scrutinized by a review board. The regulationsgoverning Army Air ~ \-Force insignia at the "time stated that a submission, "may be ofcaricature design, notnecessarily classic orheraldic, but must bein good taste and ofcomposition to enablepainting on airplanesby simple stencil." Ifa design met these basic guidelines it wasforwarded up the line for the next phase. There were several additional prerequisites that a proposed insignia had to meet. Eachdesign had to be sufficiently concise as to be distinguishable ata maximum distance of 150 yards. The gereral submission criteria further prohibited the following specific data from
154
Not Just For Kids! Lest those unfamiliar with this period inAmerican history go away with the wrong idea, it wasn't onlyyoungsters who were attracted to the 'cartoon' images of combat insignia. The popularity of these designs among adults isperhaps best illustrated by a lengthy ad campaign launched in1943 by the Oldsmobile Division of General Motors. This seriesof full page, full color ads featured a different unit insignia eachmonth for almost two years, and while the series depicted insignia of all service branches, for some reason those of the ArmyAir Force dominated the campaign. Although General Motorswas neither manufacturing civilian transportation during thewar years, like all other automobile manufactures in the UnitedStates, this campaign was designed both to foster patriotismwhile simultaneously keeping the product name before thebuying public against that time when the company was again inthe business of manufacturing cars.
~~,::;o:.=: :::::::.~..:;:::::.."':::";::.,=
~~OLDSb
In the 1940's a large portion of Americans indulged in theuse of tobacco in much greater quantities than today. Cigaretteswere included in C-rations issued to troops until as late as 1975,and pipe and cigar smoking, while not as popular as cigarettes,were never the less common in virtually every sector of Ameri
can life. Throughout the war Disney allowed many of theunit insignia his studio had designed to be utilized as thecentral theme for a series of matchbook covers. Oneseries of these covers depicted only a single insigniadesign and very little text copy. Later Pepsi-Cola Co.sponsored a similar series licensed incorporatingadditional Disney designs.Today these give-away items of the 1940's are
a sought after collectors item but at the time theywere simply an everyday utility, used as a subtle
_ .....~ reminder of a nations young fighting men. These,,:"........ and other reminders were intended to curb, among
other things, civilian grumbling about shortages of many itemsdue to war time rationing.
155
Further proof that the American publics interest in unit insigniawent well beyond an adolescence audience can be perhaps bestillustrated in the selected examples depicted at left.
Cover art and feature articles on the subject of combat insigniaappeared in virtually every major publication during the waryears. Periodicals such as Colliers, Life, Popular Mechanics andmany others published everything from full length articles to onepage write-ups on the images representing U.S. fighting forcesboth at home and abroad.
Perhaps one of the most compelling examples of just howpopular this subject was is evidenced by The National GeographicMagazine. In their June 1943 issue this publication ran a featurestory entitled Insignia of the United States Armed Forces. Thisarticle covered many aspects of regulation U.S. military uniforminsignia but included a full color section entitled Army AircraftInsignia. These images depicted some, but by no means all, ofthe current inventory of USAAF squadron and group insignia.Reader response to this article was so great that National Geographic published a special edition issue dedicated to this same
subject in December of the following year. The section ofthis special issue devoted to combat insignia was expandedto include not only those images of the AAF but ",mit in
signia of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps as well. Both ofthese editions were a huge success in their day and are nowa highly sought after collectors item.
And speaking of collectors items, the composite groupingelow is an assemblage of a series of four booklets produced by
Hearst Publishing during World War II These particular itemswere indeed produced with an adolescent audience inmind. Each booklet was designed to contain fifty col-
lectors stamps especially printed for this series. Both theooklets as well as the stamps themselves were distrib
uted free for the asking and were intended to help fosterpatriotism and involve Americas youth by allowing them
feel a part of their nations war effort. It was hoped that theimages would help promote something of a spiritual bondetween the youthful collector and Americas fighting forces,
and to this end they appear to have been effective.
156
All of this brings us back to the original question: Why expendso much time and effort on a subject as esoteric as World War IIcombat insignia? The answer should by now be self explanatory. These images were not only a patriotic aspect of many civilians on the Home Front but first and foremost they were a part ofthe daily lives of the men belonging to each respective unit. Invirtually every theatre of operation around the globe U.S. airmendisplayed these same designs on their clothing, equipment andaircraft. Just as these men are deserving of our remembrance,
so to are the images that represented them deserving of at leasta little of our remembrance as well.
In the relatively short span of time since the end of World WarII, many of these designs are already at risk of being lost to history forever. It doesn't matter that these combat insignia were notessential to the war effort, what is important is how much they areable to tell us years later of the personalities of an entire generation of young Americans who left home to fight in far away skiesfor omething they believed was greater than themselves.
157
AAA Anti-Aircraft ArtilleryAAF. Army Air ForceAB AirBaseAAB Army Air BaseA/C AircraftAD Air DivisionAir.Div Air DivisionAID Air DepotAEF. American Expeditionary ForceAF. Air ForceNF. AirfieldANA Army-Navy AeronauticalAS I Antisub Anti-SubmarineNS AirstripATO American Theater of OperationsAvn AviationBD Bombardment (later Air) DivisionBG Bombardment (Bomb) Group
BG(H) Bomb Group (Heavy)BG(M) Bomb Group (Medium)BG(L) Bomb Group (Light)
Bmr BomberBomb BombardmentBS Bombardment (Bomb) SquadronBW. Bombardment (Bomb) Wingc circa (approximate time period)Carr CarrierCBI China-Burma-India (Theater of Operations)Cmbt. CombatCmd CommandCmdo CommandoCO Commanding OfficerCmpst. CompositeCrgo CargoCW Combat WingDB Dive BomberDet. DetachmentEAME European-African-Middle Eastern
(Theater of Operations)ERS Emergency Rescue Squadro~
ETO European Theater of OperationsFIB Fighter-BomberFG I FtrGrp Fighter GroupFLAK. Anti-Aircraft FireFld FieldFIt. FlightFtr FighterFS I FtrSqdn Fighter SquadronFW I FtrWng Fighter WingGB Great BritainGHQ General Headquarters
GP I Grp GroupHQ HeadquartersInept. .InterceptorLN LiaisonMTO Mediterranean Theater of OperationsMpng MappingNLS Night Leaflet SquadronPS Photographic SquadronOBS ObservationOPS OperationsQIM Quick Identification Markings (Allied)OSS Office Of Strategic Services (US)(P) I Provo ProvisionalPG Photographic GroupPhoto PhotographicPOM Preparation for Overseas Movement
rPOW Prisoner Of WarPR Photographic ReconnaissancePRG Photographic Reconnaissance GroupPS Photographic SquadronPTO Pacific Theater of OperationsPur PursuitRAF. Royal Air Force (British)RCM Radio Counter MeasuresRcn ReconnaissanceRG Reconnaissance GroupRS Reconnaissance SquadronSF. Scouting ForceSHAEF. Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary ForceSOE Special Operations Executive (British)Spt. SupportSq. I Sqdn SquadronSrch SearchStn StationTac TacticalTrng TrainingTr. TroopTrnsp TransportT/O Theater Of OperationsTRG Tactical Reconnaissance GroupTRS Tactical Reconnaissance SquadronTriple-A Anti-Aircraft ArtilleryUSA United States ArmyUK United KingdomUSN United States NavyUS ; United StatesUSAAF United States Army Air ForceUSSAFE United States Strategic Air Forces, EuropeWR. Weather ReconnaissanceWthr WeatherWng Wing
158
SI)I~(~Il.\J. 01) ~ tl! IONS (~OJ)I~S
Argument: Concentrated AAF attacks on luftwaffe
fighter factories from ll-Jun thru I-Mar 1944.
Aphrodite: USAAF's initial experiments with radio
and video controlled aircraft and guided bombs. Joseph
P. Kennedy J1'. was killed 12-Aug-44 after volunteering
for this operation.
Azon: Acronym for AZimuth ONly. Worlds first radio
controlled 'smart bomb' was officially designated the
VB-I.
Batty: Experimentation with TV controlled bombs
dropped from B-I7's resulted in three unsuccessful
attacks against German U-boat pens
Blue Stocking: Standard code for all weather recon
naissance flights.
Carpetbagger: name for night missions on behalf of
OSS / underground operations behind enemy lines
Castor: Partially radio controlled bombers. Integrated
with the Aphrodite Operation.
Chattanooga: Fighter staffing attacks on enemy rail
road network.
Chowhound: Airborne drop to civilians of badly need
food supplies over Holland in May 1945.
Circus: Ambush tactic employed by the AAF to draw
out nd destroy the Luftwaffe in the air.
Crossbow: Allied air offensive on German rocket sites
beginning 17-Aug-43.
Disney: Some of the first bunker busters. The e were
rocket assisted bombs designed to penetrate concrete
before denotation
Duck: A decoy mission in the area of the North Sea.
Frantic: AAF Shuttle missions between Great Britain,
Russia and Italy.
Jackpot: Concentrated AAF aerial attacks on
Luftwaffe airfields inside Germany proper.
Joker: Nighttime photo reconnaissance mission utiliz
ing 'flash bombs' to illuminate surveillance area.
Moling: Bad weather probing missions designed to test
effectiveness of enemy early warning systems.
Moonshine: Specialized equipment designed to
produce a false radar signature.
Nickeling: Dropping propaganda leaflets over
enemy occupied territory.
Noball: AAF missions directed specifically towards
German V-I / V-2 rocket facilities and launch sites.
Ramrod: Around trip fighter escort of heavy bombers,
both to and from a target.
Revival: Reunification of former Allied POW's fol
lowing Germany's formal surrender on 8-May-45.
Rhubarb: Characteristically a smaller fighter sortie
against enemy ground targets in bad weather.
Roadstead: Fighter escort for bombing mission
against open water targets.
Rodeo: A coordinated fighter sweep of enemy air
facilities. The intent was to destroy enemy aircraft on
the ground if they couldn't be lured into the skies.
Skywave: Purely navigational flights for the express
purpose of calibrating airborne LORAN equipment.
Spoof: A 'Rubber Duck', or decoy mission where a
relatively small number of aircraft would attempt to
divert enemy defensive efforts away from the real
mission target.
Title Wave: Ninth AAF attacks on the Rumanian oil
fields located at Ploesti
Trolley: Sometimes called Taxi Rides. Transports and
even bombers were used to fly ground personnel over
Germany following V-E Day.
Trucking: Using heavy bombers as opposed to
transports to relay supplies to distribution points on
continental Europe.
Varsity: Airborne invasion over the Rhine River by
elements of the 17th Airborne Division deployed pri
marily by units of the Ninth AAF.
159
f"~ ~I J }I'
Fighter Groups/Squadrons page 439thTrpCrrGp 86
36thFtrGp ]8 440thTrpCrrGp 88
48thFtrGp 20 44]stTrpCrrGp 90
50thFtrGp 22 442dTrpCrrGp 92
354thFtrGp 24 Bombardment Groups/Squadrons page
358thFtrGp 28 ] stPathSq(Prav) 97
362dFtrGp 30 322dBombGp(M) 98
363dFtrGp 32 323dBombGp(M) ]00
365thFtrGp 34 344thBombGp(M) 102
366thFtrGp 36 386thBombGp(M) ]04
367thFtrGp 38 387thBombGp(M) ~.. ]06
368thFtrGp 40 39]stBombGp(M) 108
370thFtrGp 42 394thBombGp(M) ]]0
37]stFtrGp 44 397thBombGp(M) ]]2
373dFtrGp 46 409thBombGp(L) ]]4
404thFtrGp 48 4]OthBombGp(L) ]]6
405thFtrGp 50 4]6thBombGp(L) ]]8
406thFtrGp 52 Liaison Squadrons page
474thFtrGp 54 14thLiaSq ]22
422dNFtrSq 56 47thLiaSq 122
425thNFtrSq 58 72dLiaSq 123
Troop Carrier Groups page 112thLiaSq 123
61stTrpCrrGp 64 121stLiaSq 124
3]3thTlpCrrGp 66 ]25thLiaSq 124
3]4thTrpCrrGp 68 ]58thLiaSq ]25
315thTrpCrrGp 70 167thLiaSq 125
3]6thTrpCrrGp 72 173dLiaSq ]25
349thTrpCrrGp 74 Reconnaissance Groups page
434thTrpCrrGrp 76 10thPhoto(Rec) ]30
435thTrpCrrGp 78 67thTacRec : ]32
436thTrpCrrGp 80 69thTacRec 134
437thTrpCrrGp 82 363dTacRec ]36
438thTrpCrrGp 84 9thTacRec(Prov) ]38
160
~ ~ ~I]'~
Air Fields, Great Britain page Air Fields, Great Britain page
Aldermaston, No.467 43, 71, 77
Andover, No.406 43
Ashford, No.417 53
Balderton, No.482 83, 87
Barkstone Heath, No.483 65, 75
Beaulieu, No.408 .. 5, 101
Birch, No. 149 117
Bisteme Close, NO,415 45
Boreham, No.161 1II
Bottesford, No.481.. 81, 89
Boxted, No. 150 25,105
Charmy Down, No.487 56, 58
Chilbolton, No.404 41
Chipping Ongw; No. 162 107
Christchurch. No.416 51
Cottesmore, No.489 73
Earls Colne, No.358 101
Erie Stoke Village, No.435 124
Exeter, No.463 89
Folk~~gham, No.484 67
Ford, No.363 56
Fulbeck, No.488 77, 93
Gosfield, No. 154 35,113,117
Goxhill, No.345 29
Great Dunmow, No. 164 105
Great Sailing, No.485 97, 99
Greenham Common, No.486 25, 41, 85
Headcorn, No.412 31
Heston, No.510 122, 123
Homesley South, No. 455 111
Horham, No.119 101
Hum, No.494 56, 113
Hurst Park, No.508 123
lbsley, No. 347 21, 39
Keevil, No.471 33
Kingsnorth, No.418 19
Langa/; No.490 79,91
Lashenden, No.410 25
Leislon, No.373 29
Lillie Walden, No. 165 115
Lymingloll, No.551 23
Mal hing, No.166 109, 131
Melllbury No.466 37, 133
Merryfield, No.464 91
Middle Wallop, No.449 133
Ramsbury, No.469 83
Raydon, No. 157 29
Rivenhall, No. 128 33, 113
Rougham, No.468 99
Saltby, No.538 69
Scorton, No.425 56, 58
Snetterton Heath, No. 138 105
Spanhoe, No.493 : 71
Stansted, No. 169 103
Staplehurst, No. 418 33
Stony Cross, No.452 39, 107
Thruxton, No.407 37
Upottery, No.462 87
Warmwell, No.454 55
Welford Park, No.474 71, 77, 79,85
Weston Zoyland, No.447 93
Wethersfield, No. 170 119
Winkton, No.414 49
Woodchurch, No.419 47
Wormingford, No.159 31
161
Rosieres en Haye, A-98 ., 25
Roye I Amy, A-73 ., ., 43, 75, 109
St. Andre-de-I'Eure, B-24 ., ., ., ., ..,., 93
St. Dizier, A-64 ., ., ., 39, 51, 131
St. James, A-29 ., 47
St. Lambert, A-11 ., 55
St. Leonard, A-36 ., .,., .. ., 53
St. Marceau, A-43 ., .,., 55, 91
St. Pierre du Mont, A-1 37
Tantonville, Y-1 45
Toul, A-90 ., ., 29
Toul I Ochey, A-96 .. .,.,., .. ., 23
Tour-en-Bassin, A-13 47, 53, II 1
Toussus-le-Noble, A-46 133
Vannes, A-33 59
Verdun Roures, A-82 .. : 31,59, 122
Villacoublay, A-42D 21
Villeneuve I Vertus, A-63 ., ., .., 91
Vitry-le-Francois, A-67 .. .,., .. ., ..,., ., ., ..,., .., ..,., ., 29
Deux Jumeaux, A-4 ., ., 21
Gael, A-31 25
Gorges, A-26 .., 113
Juvincourt, A-68 19,35,39,41,49,87, ll7
LaonlAthies, A-69 .,.23,41,101, ll9
Laon I Couvron, A-70 ., 37, 115
Laval, A-57 ., 122
La Vielle, A-19 .,.,.,., ., 43
Le Mans, A-35 ., 19,33,89
Le Molay, A-9 ., ., 133
Lessay, A-20 .,.,., .,., .., .., .,.,.,., ., 101
Lignerolle, A-12 .. ., ., ., ., 35
Liguerolles, A-12 ., ., ., ., ., .,.,., ., 31
Lonray, A-45 ., 43, 87
fr. ~,
~II'Air Fields, France page Air Fields, France pageAbbeeville I Drucat, B-32 65 Lyon-Bron, Y-6 ., 23, 124
Achiet, B-54 ., .,., ..,., .. .,., 67 Maupertus, A-15 ., ., ., ., ., 33, 107
Amiens IGlisy, B-48 ., ., .. ., .,., ., 71 Meautis, A-17 ., ., ., ., ., 23
Athis, A-76 19 Melun, A-55 81,119
Azeville, A-7 ., ., 33, 35 Mentz, Y-34 35, 41, 45, 53
Beaumont-sur-Oise, A-92 .,., ., ..,.,., .., ., 105 Mourmelon-le-Grand, A-80 ., ., 29, 53, 77
Beauvais-Tille, A-89 ., 99 Nancy I Azelot, A-95 ., ., .., ., ., ., ., ., ., ., 135
Beuzeville, A-6 ., ., 39, 45 Nancy-Essey, Y-42 ., ., 122
Bretigny, A-48 ..,., 35,49,79, ll5 Orconte, A-66 ., ., .,., ., 25
Bruncheville, A-16 ., 19 Orly, A-47 ., 23
Buc, Y-4 ., ., ., ., 122, 123 0 l lB' A-50 89 111r eans ncy, ., ., .,............,
Cambrai I Niergnies, A-74 ., 21, III Peray, A-44 ., ., ., ., .,...................... 9, 93
Cardonville, A-3 ., ., ., 41, 43 A 72 55 113Peronne, - .,., .,................................ ,
Carentan, A-10 ., 23 Perthes, A-65 45Chartres, A-40 41, 101
Picauville, A-8N ., ., 51Chateaudun, A-39 ., ., .. 57, 87, 131
Pontorson, A-28 29
~~~::~e~~;: ~ ~ ~ %Poix, B-44 69
Prosnes, A-79 ., 31,59,85Confians I Doncourt, A-94 ., 131
. _ 8 59 83 117 Reims I Champagne, A-62D 47, 80Coulomnuels, A-5 ..... .,............................................ , ,
C'll 11' A 59 103 Rennes, A-27 31, 124, 131ormel es-en- vexm, - ..
Cretteville, A-J4 ., .. ., .,., 29, 53
Criqueville, A-2 ., 25
Denain-Prouvy, A-83 ., ., 101
Dole I Tavaux, Y-7 ., ., ., .. ., 45
Dreux, A-41 ., .., 37, 91, 113
162
Air Fields, Belgium page
Asch, Y-29 37, 53, 109
Charleroi, A-87 133
Chievres, A-84 35, 41
Coulommiers I Voisins, A-58 83
Florennes I Juzaine, A-78 35, 43, 55, 57, 103
Le Culot, A-89 19, 99
Le Culot I East, Y-1O 47
Ophoven, Y-72 43. 51
St. Trond, A-92 49, 105
Venlo, Y-55 137
Air Fields, Holland page
Maasstricht, Y-44 47, 124
Venlo, Y-55 47,111,113,137
Air Fields, Luxenburg page
Sandweiler, A-97 122
•
Air Fields, Germany page
Aachen, Y-46 19, 35
Ansbach, R-45 25
Brunswick- Broitzem, R-38 124
Brunswick I Waggum, R-37 137
Erlangen, R-96 122
Eschwege, R-11 133
Frankfurt I Eschborn, Y-74 39, 45
Frankfurt I Rhine-Main, Y-73 3, 41, 59
Fritzlar, Y-86 35, 49
Furth, R-28 31, 45, 131
Furth IIndustriehafen, R-30 59
Giebelstadt, Y-90 23
Gutersloh, Y-99 43, 124, 137
Herzogenaurach, R-29 25
Illesheim, R-10 21, 31
Kassel I Rothwestern, R-12 19, 21
Kelz, Y-54 21, 49
Kitzingen, R-6 51
Langensalza, R-2 55, 57
Limburg, Y-83 133
Lippstadt, Y-98 47
Mannheiml Sandhoven, Y-79 : 29
Munchen-Gladbach, Y-56 124
Munster I Randolf, Y-94 37, 53
Niedermennig, Y-62 19
OberOlm, Y-64 25,131
Regensburg I Prufening, R-66 122
Strassfeld, Y-59 55, 57
Trier I Evren, Y-57 131
Vogelsang, Y-51 133
Wiesbaden, Y-80 122
163
USAAF, Major Units pageHALPRO 7
USAMEAF 7
IX BC 7
IX FC 7
IX TCC 61
50thTCW 61
52dTCW 61
53dTCW 61
USAAF Groups/Squadrons: pagelstPtI1fndiSq(Prov) 97
1st (Prov)G 7
2dTAF 9, 15
9thTacRcnGp(Prov) 138
IOthPhotoGp(Rcn) 130
12th BG(M) 7
14thLnSq 122
36thFG 18
47thLnSq 122
48thFG 20
50thFG 22
57thFG 7
61stTCG 64
67thTacRcnGp 132
69thTacRcnGp 134
363dTacRcnGp 136
72d LnSq 123
79thFG 7
98thBG(H) 7
112thLnSq 123
121stLnSq 124
125thLnSq 124
158thLnSq 125
167thLnSq 125
I 73dLnSq 125
313thTCG 66
314thTCG 68
3I 5thTCG 70
316thTCG 72
316thTCG 7
322dBG(M) 98
323dBG(M) 12, 100
324thFG 7
340thBG(M) 7
344thBG(M) 102
349thTCG 74
353thFG 24
354thFG 24
358thFG 28
362dFG 30
363dFG 32
365thFG 34
366thFG 36
367thFG 38,368thFG 40
370thFG 42
371stFG 44
373dFG 46
376thBG(H) 7
386thBG(M) 104
387thBG(M) 106
391stBG(M) 12,108
394thBG(M) 110
397thBG(M) 112
404thFG 16, 48
405thFG 50
406thFG 52
409thBG(L) 114
410thBG(L) 116
416thBG(L) 118
422d NFS 56
425thNFS 58
434thTCG 76
435thTCG 78
436thTCG 80
437thTCG 82
438thTCG 84
439thTCG 86
440thTCG 88
441stTCG 90
442dTCG 92
455thBS 12
474thFG 54
164
Mottos: pageAdveniant 71
Argus 131
Nunquam Non Paratus 89
Readiness Strengthens Liberty JJ1
Recto Faciendo Neminem Timeo 99
Support From The Sky 83
Sword And Wings 29
Valor 1n Combat 25
Valor Without Arms 7Vincamus Sine Timoris /0/
Viri Veniente .
Virtutu Alisque /0
Vulneratus Non Victus 2/
We Win Or Die /0
Sobriquets paBridge Busters /1/
Mogin;s Maulers 1
Oragne Tails 2
Panzer Dusters 4
Pioneer Mustang Grollp 25
The Dyna/nite Gang............................................................... 9
The Fighting obras 24
The Hell Hawks 5
The Pugnacious Pups 24
The Red Asses 24
The Silvver Streaks /0
Thunder Bums 40
Tiger Tails 107..Callslgns pageBluebird 34
Casket 38
Circus 48
Decco 38
Elwood 34
Frosty 34
Granite 4
Neptune 48
Nobhole 38
Ocean 48
Pintail 48
Plastic 34
Proverb 48
Robert 48
Tap Dance 28
Tuba 48
Miscellaneous pageAlA Battery, 51st Bgde, XIX TAC 16
Advanced Landing Grounds (ALG's) 15, 16,27
American Civil War 127
Arnold, Henry Harley 127
Army/Navy Aeronautical (ANA) 11, 141
Allantic Wall 128
Battle of the Bulge 62
al!nif.{, Milt 154
app, AI 154
olliers 156
ombat Box Formation 95
D-Day Stripes 61, 140, 145
Disney, Walt 154
Forward Artillery Observer 121
Friendly Forces Flash 147
Fritsch, Werner Freiherr von 127
General Motors 155
ermanAir Force (GAF) 16
Goldfish Award (Club) 147
Hamlin, VT. 154
Herst Publishing 156
Lantz, Walter 154
Li:le 156
Napoleonic Wars 127
National Geographic 156
Normandy Invasion 128
North Island Aviation School 10
Oldsmobile 155
OSS 61
Popular Mechanics : 156
P-38 'Lightning' 141
P-47 'Thunderbolt' 142, 143
P-51 'Mustang' 144
QIM's 15,25,31,146
RAF 148
Rommel, Erwin 8
SD-110 Code 15, 25
Supermarine 'Spitfire' 142
USAAF Airfields/ALG's 148
USAAF Colors 147
Varsity 62
War To End All Wars 127
Warner Bros 154
Wright-PattersonAFB 154
165
Sgt. Chester Gavryck,Ordinance SpecialistEighth USAAF
~ I{N0 "7 IJI~nt, I~ )II~N'I'S
Lt. H.C. 'Pete' HenryPilot, 44th BG
Eighth USAAF
1. 'Siggy' Signor714 Atlantis Road S.£.Palm Beach FL 32909-4811
Cpt. Robert 'Punchy' PoweUPilot, 352ndFG, Eighth USAAF
Norman Malaney, 25th Bomb Group AssociationMichael Faley, 100th Bomb Group HistorianJohnny 'Siggy' Signor, IRS (Insignia Reproduction Specialist)Readers looking for quality reproductions of unit insignia areencouraged to contact Siggy.
The United States Strategic Bombing Surveys / European War:United States Air Force
USAAF Markings & Camouflage:Robert Archer
U.S. Army Air Forces ContinentalAirfields [ETO] D-Day To V-E Day:
USAF Historical Research CenterWar Insignia Stamp Album / Vol's.2,3 & 4:
Robert Lash RobbinsGrateful appreciation is extended to the following institutionsfor providing much of the invaluable historical data and photoimages used in the creation of this work:American Battle Monuments CommissionNational Air and Space MuseumP-38 National AssociationPlanes of Fame / Air MuseumUnited States Air Force Museum / Wright-Patterson AFB,United States National Archives and Records9th Air Force Association
A special thanks is tendered to the following individuals;
Aircraft Insignia-Spirit Of Youth:
National Geographic, June 1943/ Gerard Hubbard
Air Force Units Of World War II:
Dr. M. Maurer
Army Air Force Stations in the
United Kingdom During World War II
USAF Historical Research Center
Battles With The Luftwajfe:
Theo Boiten & Martin Bowman
C-47 / R4d Units Of The ETO & MTO:
David Isby
B-26 Marauder Units of The Eighth And Ninth Air Forces:
Jerry Scutts
Combat Insignia Stamps Of The United States Army & Navy:
Hearst Publications
Combat Squadrons OfThe Air Force, World War II:
Dr. M. Maurer
Command And Employment OfAir Power:
War Department Field Manual / FM 100-20
From The Zenith To The Deck:
Eighth Fighter Command / Gen. Francis Griswold
Insignia & Decorations Of The US Armed Forces:
National Geographic, 1944
lagdwajfe / Holding The West, 1941-1943:
David Wadman / Martin Pegg
lagdwajfe / Defending The Reich, 1943-1944:
Robert Forsyth / Eddie J. Creek
lagdwajfe / Defending The Reich, 1944-1945:
Robert Forsyth
L-Birds / American Combat Liaison Aircraft Of World War II:
Terry M. Love
Martin B-26 Marauder:
Fredrick A. Johnsen
P-38 Lightning:
Bert Kinzey
Strangers In A Strange Land:
Hans-Heiri Stapfer
The Army Air Forces In World War II;
Combat Chronology / 1941-1945
Kit C. Carter / Robert Mueller
The Luftwajfe / Strategy For Defeat:
Williamson Murray
The Ninth Air Force in World War II:
Ken C. Rust
The Official Guide To The Army Forces:
Army Air Forces Aid Society
The Organization And Lineage Of The United States Air Force:
Charles A. Ravenstein
IIIlItIOt,Ulll)I1
166
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Ctlnd ay my a(ary was, '1 hadsuchfriendSWi((iam 'Butrer Yeats
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INSIGNIA AND AIRCRAFf MARKINGSOF THE EIGHTH Am FORCE
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