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.