The December 7, 1941 Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor was a full-out surprise for the defenders who quickly rallied to fight the Zeros and other types of enemy aircraft looping and turning and strafing in the clear morning light. As was typical, each aircraft – American and Japanese alike – was painted with “country of origin” markings specific to its squadron.
The CAF Red Tail Project’s P-51C Mustang also boasts a unique paint job. Most people note the red tail right off the bat, but the other markings also tell a story. The colors represent the four fighter squadrons in the Tuskegee Airmen’s iconic 332nd Group:
- The red and yellow cowling represents the 302nd Fighter Squadron.
- The A on the side represents the 99th Fighter Squadron.
- The yellow banding on the wings represents the 301st Fighter Squadron.
- The red fins on the wings represents the 100th Fighter Squadron.
To see pictures and learn more about the CAF Red Tail Project’s Mustang, click here.
