P-51D Mustang 44-73186 “Babs In Arms” code N2-Y of the 383rd Fighter Squadron 364th FG
364th Fighter Group – overview of their assignments, aircraft, markings, and history:
Assignments:
- Eighth Air Force: Assigned on 10 February 1944.
- Wing & Command Assignments:
- VIII Fighter Command, 67th Fighter Wing, Feb 1944.
- 1st Bombardment Division, 67th Fighter Wing, 15 September 1944.
- 1st Air Division, 67th Fighter Wing, 1 January 1945.
Component Squadrons:
- 383rd Fighter Squadron
- 384th Fighter Squadron
- 385th Fighter Squadron
Combat Aircraft:
- P-38J Lightnings: (Blocks 5 to 25) in use from February 1944 to 29 July 1944.
- P-51D/K Mustangs: (Starting from Block 5) in use from 28 July 1944 to October 1945.
Stations:
- Honington: Main station from 10 February 1944.
Group Commanders:
- Lt Col Frederick C. Grambo: 12 June 1943 – 29 February 1944 (KIA).
- Col Roy W. Osborn: 29 February 1944 – 9 September 1944.
- Lt Col Joseph B. McManus: c. 9 September 1944 – c. 23 October 1944.
- Lt Col John W. Lowell: 23 October 1944 – 2 November 1944 (Acting).
- Col Roy W. Osborn: 2 November 1944 – 3 January 1945.
- Lt Col Eugene P. Roberts: 3 January 1945 – November 1945.
Missions:
- First Mission: 3 March 1944.
- Last Mission: 25 April 1945.
- Total Missions: 364 missions.
- Aircraft Missing in Action (MIA): 134.
- Enemy Aircraft Claims: 256 in air; 193 on ground.
Major Awards:
- Distinguished Unit Citation: Awarded on 27 December 1944 for the defense of bombers during a mission over Frankfurt.
History:
- Early History: Activated on 1 June 1943 at Glendale GCAT, California. The group trained with P-38s at various California bases before departing for the European Theater on 11 January 1944.
- Post-War: After VE-day, many personnel were transferred, and aircraft were sent to depots in September 1945. The remaining personnel sailed back to the U.S. on the Queen Mary, arriving on 9 November 1945, and the group was inactivated at Camp Kilmer, NJ, on 10 November 1945.
Aircraft Markings:
P-38J Lightnings (February – July 1944):
- Standard Finish: Dark Olive Drab and Neutral Gray, with some in natural metal finish.
- Squadron Codes:
- 383rd Fighter Squadron: N2
- 384th Fighter Squadron: 5Y
- 385th Fighter Squadron: 5E
- Codes were in white on camouflage and black on bare metal, 18 inches high.
- The squadron code was on the rear fuselage booms, with the individual aircraft letter on the radiator housing.
- Geometric Tail Markings:
- 383rd: Circle
- 384th: Square
- 385th: Triangle
- Colors were white on camouflage and black on bare metal, with markings placed on the outer sides of fins and rudders.
- Group Identification Markings: Applied in late March 1944, including white propeller spinners and a 12-inch white band around the adjacent engine cowling.
P-51D/K Mustangs (July 1944 – September 1945):
- Standard Finish: Natural metal with black type identity markings. Some aircraft had dark green camouflage on upper surfaces, but this practice ceased by September 1944.
- Squadron Codes:
- 383rd: N2 (30 inches high)
- 384th and 385th: 5Y and 5E (18 or 20 inches high)
- Codes were painted aft of the national insignia on both sides of the fuselage.
- Geometric Tail Markings: Similar to those used on the P-38s, with variations in size depending on the squadron:
- Triangle: 28 inches base, 36 inches height (385th)
- Square: 24 inches (384th)
- Circle: 40 inches in diameter (383rd)
- New Group Marking: To distinguish from other units, the spinner was painted white, with alternating white and medium blue 6-inch-wide stripes on the adjacent engine cowling.
- Flight Leaders’ Markings: Some 385th Fighter Squadron leaders had red or red and black stripes on the dorsal fins and rudder trim tabs.
Special Notes:
- 1st Scouting Force: Used P-51s with standard group markings but without the individual letters on geometric devices.
- OTU Aircraft: Identified by numerals on tail symbols, painted in white, used primarily for training.