World War Photos

The ground crew of A-36A 42-84067 527th Fighter-Bomber Squadron 86th FBG

Summary of the 86th Fighter Bomber Group’s History and Markings

Activation and Early Operations:

• Activated: 10 February 1942, initially as the 86th Fighter Group in Oklahoma.
• Training: Initially trained on A-20 and DB-7 Havoc aircraft at Key Field, Mississippi. Later received Douglas A-24 Banshees, but these were soon replaced by A-36 Mustangs starting in November 1942.

Combat and Deployment:

• Deployment to North Africa: Departed the USA in April 1943, arriving at Mers El Khebir, Oran, in May. Began operations on 15 May 1943 from Mediouna Airfield, near Casablanca, French Morocco.
• Campaigns: Participated in North African, Sicilian, and Italian campaigns. Engaged in close air support, interdiction, and other missions.
• Notable Missions:
  • First combat mission: 2 July 1943 by the 309 Squadron.
  • Supported Allied landings at Salerno, Italy (September 1943).

Redesignations and Equipment Changes:

• Redesignation: Became the 86th Fighter Bomber Group in August 1943.
  • Squadrons were redesignated as follows:
    • 309, 310, 312 Bombardment Squadrons (Light) became 525, 526, and 527 Fighter-Bomber Squadrons.
• Aircraft:
  • Initially flew A-36 Mustangs.
  • Later supplemented by P-40 Warhawks and then transitioned to P-47 Thunderbolts in May 1944.

Combat Achievements:

• Total Combat Sorties: 28,662.
• Destruction Claimed: 9,960 vehicles, 10,420 railway vehicles, 1,114 locomotives, and 515 enemy aircraft.
• Awards: Earned a Distinguished Unit Citation for actions on 25 May 1944.

Post-War:

• Occupation Duty: Performed at Braunshardt post-war, also serving as a replacement depot.
• Inactivation: In March 1946 at Bolling Field, Washington.

Unit Markings:

• 525 Fighter Squadron: Unit code “V” before the national marking on the fuselage side, with an individual letter aft of the national marking.
• 526 Fighter Squadron: Only individual code letter was displayed.
• 527 Fighter Squadron: No distinctive markings were carried.

Aircraft Color Scheme:

• A-36As: Olive green and grey scheme with yellow identification stripes on the wings. Tail numbers often painted in large yellow on the rear fuselage.