World War Photos

B-25D 41-30024 Red Wrath 498th BS 345th BG

The North American B-25D-5 Mitchell with serial number 41-30024, nicknamed Red Wrath, belonged to the 498th Bomb Squadron (BS) of the 345th Bomb Group (BG), stationed at Dobodura, New Guinea during the spring of 1944. The aircraft features a distinctive and colorful paint scheme typical of the period and location.

Camouflage and Colors:

• Upper Surfaces:
  • The upper surfaces of the aircraft are painted in Olive Drab (ANA 613), which was a common camouflage color for U.S. aircraft in the Pacific Theater.
• Undersides:
  • The undersides are painted in Neutral Gray (ANA 603), a standard color used to reduce visibility against the sky.

Markings and Details:

• Serial Number:
  • The aircraft’s serial number, 41-30024, is displayed in black and yellow. The serial is likely painted over the original Olive Drab background, with the yellow added later for increased visibility.
• Fins and Rudders:
  • The fins and rudders are painted white, a distinguishing feature that was likely used for squadron identification.
• Nose Art:
  • The nose art, named ‘Red Wrath’, is multi-colored and prominently displayed on the aircraft’s nose. This art includes the aircraft’s name and a mission tally painted in yellow. Nose art was a common practice among bomber crews, especially in the Pacific Theater, serving as both a morale booster and a form of identification.
• Cowlings and Propeller Hubs:
  • The fronts of the engine cowlings and the propeller hubs are painted yellow. This bright color would have made the aircraft more visible to friendly forces and added a distinct look to the aircraft.
• National Insignia:
  • The fuselage national marking does not have the blue outline that was typically seen on other aircraft. This likely reflects a variation in markings depending on the time and theater of operations.