![]() Paratroop drops symbolized with a silhouette of a C-47 above the drop symbol. These symbols were detailed with a parachute and cargo container underneath. Cargo and Paradrop MissionĪlso important were missions dropping cargo and paratroopers. Fighter Escort MissionĪbove: A P-38J with an array of fighter escort, top cover, sweep, and bombing run markings. At the time this photo was taken, King’s aircraft was marked to have flown 5 fighter sweep missions, 22 bombing missions, destroyed three railcars and shot down two German Aircraft. William King on the wing of his P-51B Mustang “Atlanta Peach”. The successful mission was symbolized by a broom shaped silhouette.Ībove: Pilot Lt. Fighter Sweep MissionĪ Fighter Sweep is an offensive mission by fighter aircraft to seek out and destroy enemy aircraft or targets of opportunity in an allotted area of operations. These missions were flown by high altitude combat aircraft meant to protect bombers or other operational aircraft at lower altitudes.Ībove: Capt. Top Cover missions were signified by an umbrella shape. The aircraft was flown back to the states to promote the sale of war bonds.Ībove: The crew of the B-17 Memphis Belle poses with their aircraft, another used for the war bond effort.Ībove: A British Mosquito crew member hand paints a bomb mission marking. The addition of“star” was used to signify a lead bomber within a mission.Ībove: A few varieties of bomb mission symbols.Ībove: The B-25 crew “Stud” poses with their aircraft which flew over 50 bomb missions. Symbolizing the victories over the enemy wasn’t solely done by the Allied forces, but a practice done by the Axis powers in equal comparison.īomb Mission symbols varied in shape and size, but for the most part were a simple design to denote the number of missions carried out by the bomber crew. These were composed of swastikas, Japanese Imperial flags, Russian Stars, American flags and Stars and Circles. For this reason, it was common to display the insignia or national marking of the enemy to mark the kill. Although not every mission or kill was accounted for via these markings, the symbols tell the rich history of the aircraft and the pilots that flew them into battle.įrom a fighters perspective, a successful victory during a dogfight was not something that was left untold. From bombers, to fighter and troop transports, these aircraft all showcased these mission markings. These symbols were found on nearly every type of aircraft during the war. No doubt that a Fighter Ace’s held in high regard these markings, as it marked their combat achievements while fighting for their country. These symbols evolved in complexity over time, and varied in style and were largely carried out in part by the pilots and ground crew to boost morale and keep a score of battle throughout the war. This military tradition was largely carried over from past WWI squadrons recording combat kills on a board located at homebase by displaying the enemy’s insignia. In this post we look at some of the distinct meanings of marking used for the US Army Air Force during World War II.ĭuring WWII the use of markings on the side of aircraft was a common occurrence as well as Naval and land base vehicles. Whether a painting in a cave, a “notch” on a belt, display of a defeated enemy's weapons, or a painted symbol on aircraft this tally of victory helps tell the story of the victorious and raises their status as a successful warrior. Keeping the tally of a successful defeat of the enemy has been a common practice since the beginning of record keeping and trophy hunting. What is a Victory marking? A Victory (or often called “Kill”) marking was a tally or trophy symbol painted to symbolize the defeat of the enemy during a military mission. ![]()
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