90th Bomb Group Message Board

Message:
I'm looking to find the right colors for a 90th BG 320th BS B-24D. In particular Moby Dick 124047 circa 1942-43.

I'm a little confused about the color of the background for the skull and cross-bombs on the vertical stabilizer. One source says that each squadron had its own color - the 320th's color is said to be Red or Blue depending on which source you believe (see note below).

Other sources say the background was black and that the squadron colors were not adopted until 1944 when the Group took delivery of B-24Js. Therefore all squadrons would have sported a black background for the skull and cross-bombs.

So, for a 90th BG B-24D operating before 1944 should I use the squadron colors or black for the background of the skull and cross-bombs?

If squadron colors are used was the 320th's color red or blue?

The photographs I've seen are black and white and as such I cannot discern the color.

Will appreciate any comments

Jim W


Note: The source I'm referring to is the Osprey Publication B-24 Liberator Units of the Pacific War. On page 20 the 319th's color is reported to be red while the 320th's color is blue. However, the same source provides color plates where Tokio Express of the 319th BS has a blue background, and Eager Beaver of the 320th has a red background.