15th Air Force Markings Lookup

Olive Drab over Neutral Gray

Standard USAAF camouflage through mid-1944. Upper surfaces in ANA 613 Olive Drab, lower surfaces in ANA 603 Neutral Gray. Some early aircraft arriving from North Africa retained remnants of desert camouflage (Sand over Neutral Gray), creating interesting weathering subjects. The Mediterranean sun bleached OD finishes faster than in England.

Modeling note: OD aircraft in the MTO faded to a distinctive greenish-tan more quickly than those in the cooler English climate. The intense Italian sun and dusty airfields produced a different weathering character than 8th AF aircraft.

Natural Metal Finish (NMF)

The USAAF began delivering unpainted aircraft from late 1943, with NMF becoming predominant by mid-1944. The bold tail color schemes adopted in June 1944 were specifically designed for visibility on natural metal aircraft. The 15th AF’s colorful tail and wing markings are at their most striking on NMF finishes.

Modeling note: NMF aircraft in Italy showed heavy oil and exhaust staining. Flat black anti-glare panels were standard on cowlings and forward fuselage. The contrast between bright painted markings and weathered bare metal makes 15th AF subjects visually compelling.

Tail Markings & Wing Symbols

• • B-24 tail markings were large and bold — designed to be visible from formation distance. Don’t be timid with the colors.
• • The June 1944 second scheme divided the tail fin diagonally or horizontally depending on the wing, with contrasting colors and symbols.
• • B-17 markings in the 5th BW were more restrained — geometric symbols on the fin, with colored rudders/elevators added late 1944.
• • Fighter group markings (332nd red tails, 325th checkerboard, 52nd yellow tails) covered large areas and are the primary visual feature of the aircraft.

Mediterranean Theater Differences

• • Italian airfields were often dusty and unpaved — expect more dirt and dust on lower fuselage and gear doors than 8th AF aircraft on English concrete runways.
• • The Mediterranean sun faded OD paint faster and to a different shade than the English climate.
• • Some early aircraft retained traces of desert camouflage (Sand upper surfaces) under later OD touch-ups.
• • Red propeller spinners were a 15th AF theater marking on fighters — not seen on 8th or 9th AF aircraft.

Squadron Codes & Individual Markings

• • Unlike the 8th AF, most 15th AF bomber groups did not use fuselage squadron codes. Aircraft were identified by serial number and tail markings.
• • Fighter groups varied: the 31st and 52nd FGs used standard two-letter fuselage codes; the 325th and 332nd FGs used two-digit numerals instead.
• • P-38 groups used numbering systems painted on the nose or tail boom radiator housings.
• • Nose art was common across all unit types, often more elaborate than on 8th AF aircraft.

Weathering & Wear Patterns

• • B-17s and B-24s: Heavy exhaust staining along the lower fuselage. Turbo-supercharger waste gates on B-17s left distinctive streaks. B-24s showed oil streaking from the Davis wing root area.
• • Gun port blast residue on all defensive positions. The chin turret on B-17Gs left significant staining.
• • P-38s: Twin engine exhaust created symmetrical staining along the booms. Oil streaking from the turbo-superchargers was common.
• • P-51s: Exhaust staining along the lower fuselage behind the exhaust stubs. Gun port staining on the inner wing leading edges.