BATTLE COLORS VOLUME V – INSIGNIA AND AIRCRAFT MARKINGS OF THE U.S. ARMY AIR FORCES IN WWII – PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS ** LIKE NEW **

Volume V of the Battle Colors series shifts to the Pacific Theater of Operations with a focus on the Fifth, Seventh, Eleventh, and Thirteenth U.S. Army Air Forces.

As with previous volumes, the primary emphasis of this work is group/squadron emblems in addition to combat aircraft tactical markings.

Combat Insignia:

Extensive research has resulted in the most complete assemblage of WWII era AAF/PTO combat insignia yet compiled. As in all Battle Colors volumes, these insignia images include both authorized as well as unofficial versions, featuring common variations representative of the time. Where space has allowed, historical period photographs depicting the application of unauthorized emblems are included in the text, providing empirical proof of their existence and use. All emblems have been carefully recreated to reflect, as nearly as possible, the original artwork created by their designers.

Tactical Markings:

The greatest single problem encountered while researching this subject regarding the Pacific Theater was the total lack of a paper trail in determining the "who-what-where" connected with the implementation of the numerous distinctive markings displayed by AAF combat aircraft in the Pacific during WWII. This deficiency of written documents applies to all facets within this category, from theater markings all the way down the line, including individual squadron markings.

To say that some formalities, such as operational memos and field orders, were handled a bit more loosely by administrators in the PTO than by their counterparts in Europe would be more than a slight understatement. Despite this handicap, however, with diligence and a great deal of assistance from a wide assortment of knowledgeable individuals and excellent reference sources, Vol. V of the Battle Colors series has compiled in a single volume full-color representations of the tactical aircraft markings employed by every AAF combat unit in the Pacific Theater.

Additional Material:

Also included in this work is information and data relating to the following subjects:

The Pacific war chronology of events

AAF/PTO Order of Battle charts

Evolution of U.S. national aircraft markings

Visual Index for quick aircraft tactical markings identification

(Note: It may be appropriate at this point to mention that the Twentieth AF, a unit many normally associate with the Pacific Theater, has not been overlooked. The Twentieth originally began combat operations in the China-Burma-India Theater, despite having ended the war headquartered in the Pacific, and will be featured along with the Tenth and Fourteenth AFs in the upcoming Battle Colors/Vol-VI).

Source: Publisher's summary printed on cover