Re: B-17 Markings

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Posted By Michael Faley on May 03, 2007 at 19:02:49:

In Reply to: Re: B-17 Markings posted by Chris Mills on May 01, 2007 at 07:00:11:

: Steven,

: Roger Freeman's "The Mighty Eighth" confirms that the 493rd was "Square X". Also, the bottom third of the sides of the vertical fin was painted red from Jun '44 onward. The top two thirds was painted white or left as unfinished metal. The initial letter of the squadron call signs were painted just aft of the national insignia. For the 863rd this was 'P'. There was a red band around each wing and tail fin. The prop bosses were different colors for each squadron. For the 863rd they were blue. Hope this helps! -Chris Mills

Hi Chris and Steven,
Your are correct about the Square X designation for the 493rd BG at Debach, England but it was never carried on the tail fin of the B-17G's assigned to the Group in August of 1944. The vertical stabilizer lower third painted red with natural finish for the rest of the stabilizer was the wartime designation. Sometimes you will see a small x on the tails of the planes. When the group flew its first mission on June 6, 1944, it was in B-24 Liberators. By September 44, the 493rd had transitioned into B-17G's as had the 490th, 486th, 34th and 487th BG's.

Michael Faley
100th Bomb Group Historian
13th Combat Wing Historian

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Comments:: : Steven, : : Roger Freeman's "The Mighty Eighth" confirms that the 493rd was "Square X". Also, the bottom third of the sides of the vertical fin was painted red from Jun '44 onward. The top two thirds was painted white or left as unfinished metal. The initial letter of the squadron call signs were painted just aft of the national insignia. For the 863rd this was 'P'. There was a red band around each wing and tail fin. The prop bosses were different colors for each squadron. For the 863rd they were blue. Hope this helps! -Chris Mills : Hi Chris and Steven, : Your are correct about the Square X designation for the 493rd BG at Debach, England but it was never carried on the tail fin of the B-17G's assigned to the Group in August of 1944. The vertical stabilizer lower third painted red with natural finish for the rest of the stabilizer was the wartime designation. Sometimes you will see a small x on the tails of the planes. When the group flew its first mission on June 6, 1944, it was in B-24 Liberators. By September 44, the 493rd had transitioned into B-17G's as had the 490th, 486th, 34th and 487th BG's. : Michael Faley : 100th Bomb Group Historian : 13th Combat Wing Historian

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