5th Air Force Markings Lookup

One of the most famous attack units in USAAF history. The 3rd Attack Group (later redesignated 3rd Bombardment Group, Light) pioneered commerce-destroying tactics and low-level strafing in the SWPA. Its A-20s and B-25s were extensively field-modified with additional forward-firing guns for strafing runs. Participated in the Battle of the Bismarck Sea (March 1943), sinking or damaging most of a 16-ship Japanese convoy using skip-bombing.

The 22nd BG flew the first USAAF bombing mission of the Pacific war (April 1942, from Australia). Originally equipped with B-26 Marauders, the group transitioned to B-24 Liberators in early 1943. Flew long-range strategic strikes against Japanese bases across New Guinea, the Bismarck Archipelago, and the Philippines. Moved to Clark Field, Philippines, for the final months of the war.

Medium bomber group that operated B-25 Mitchells throughout the SWPA campaign. Flew tactical interdiction, shipping strikes, and close-support missions from New Guinea through the Philippines. The 38th BG was one of several groups to receive field-modified B-25s with solid noses packed with .50-caliber machine guns for strafing.

Named for General George C. Kenney, the 43rd BG was one of the first heavy bomber groups in the Pacific. Initially flew B-17s from Australia during the desperate early days of the war (1942), then transitioned to B-24 Liberators. Flew strategic and maritime patrol missions across New Guinea, the Bismarck Sea, and the Philippines. Later moved to Clark Field and flew long-range strikes against Formosa and the Japanese home islands.

One of the most recognizable groups in the Pacific theater, the 90th BG's skull-and-crossbones tail insignia made its B-24s instantly identifiable. Flew long-range strategic missions from New Guinea and the Philippines, including strikes against Balikpapan oil refineries in Borneo — missions so long and dangerous they earned the nickname "the toughest mission in the Pacific." The group's distinctive nose art on individual aircraft is legendary among Pacific air war enthusiasts.

Light bombardment group that flew A-20 Havocs on low-level attack missions across New Guinea and the Philippines. The 312th BG specialized in skip-bombing, para-frag bombing, and strafing of Japanese airfields and troop concentrations. One of the first groups in the Pacific to receive the A-26 Invader, which replaced the aging A-20s in early 1945.

The "Air Apaches" were one of the most aggressive medium bomber groups in the Pacific. Their B-25s were heavily modified as strafers with up to 14 forward-firing .50-caliber machine guns in the nose and fuselage sides. The 345th BG's low-level attacks on Japanese shipping, airfields, and ground targets were devastatingly effective. Individual aircraft in the group carried some of the most elaborate nose art in the theater.

Originally based in northern Australia, the 380th BG flew some of the longest-range missions in the Pacific — including strikes on the Balikpapan oil refineries. The group earned its "Flying Circus" nickname from its colorful, squadron-specific tail markings that made it stand out from other B-24 units. Moved forward to the Philippines for the final campaigns.

Light bombardment group activated in 1943 and deployed to the SWPA. Flew A-20 Havocs on tactical attack missions in New Guinea and the Philippines, specializing in low-level strikes on Japanese positions. Transitioned to A-26 Invaders in early 1945 for the final Philippines and Okinawa campaigns.

The 8th FG fought through the entire SWPA campaign from Australia to the Philippines and Okinawa (Ie Shima). Its P-38s provided escort for bombers and flew long-range sweeps across the theater. The 80th Fighter Squadron "Headhunters" — attached to the 8th FG — became one of the highest-scoring squadrons in the Pacific. The group later transitioned to P-47 Thunderbolts.

The 35th FG flew multiple aircraft types through the war, beginning with P-39 Airacobras in the defense of Port Moresby and transitioning through P-47 Thunderbolts to P-51 Mustangs. The group provided air defense, escort, and ground attack throughout the New Guinea and Philippines campaigns.

One of the most celebrated fighter groups of the Pacific war. The 49th FG fought from Darwin, Australia, through New Guinea and the Philippines. Its three squadrons — the 7th "Screamin' Demons," 8th "Black Sheep," and 9th "Flying Knights" — produced numerous aces, including Richard Bong (America's all-time leading ace, 40 victories) and Gerald Johnson (22 victories). The group flew P-40 Warhawks in the early war, P-38 Lightnings through mid-war, and P-47 Thunderbolts late in the conflict.

The 58th FG arrived in the SWPA in late 1943 equipped with P-47 Thunderbolts and provided fighter-bomber support throughout the New Guinea and Philippines campaigns. The group specialized in ground attack, close air support, and interdiction missions with its heavily armed Thunderbolts.

The 348th FG was led by Col. Neel Kearby, who received the Medal of Honor for shooting down six Japanese aircraft in a single engagement (October 1943). The group flew P-47 Thunderbolts in New Guinea and the Philippines before transitioning to P-51 Mustangs for long-range escort missions over Japan from Ie Shima, Okinawa. The group included four fighter squadrons — the 340th, 341st, 342nd, and 460th FS.

The 475th FG was the first fighter group to be formed in a combat zone (May 1943, in Australia). Flying P-38 Lightnings exclusively throughout the war, the "Satan's Angels" became the highest-scoring fighter group in the 5th Air Force. The group's three squadrons — 431st "Hades," 432nd "Clover," and 433rd "Possum" — produced numerous aces. The P-38's twin-engine reliability made it ideal for the long over-water flights of the Pacific theater. The group retained P-38s when other groups transitioned to P-47s and P-51s.