KITS 01/2023

B-25J-20, 44-29657, 1/Lt Thomas Cockrell, 100th BS, 42nd BG, 13th AF, Puerto Princesa,

Palawan, Philippines, 1945

Activated on January 15, 1940, 42nd BG patrolled the west

coast during 1942 and moved to the Pacific theater in

March and April 1943. The Group named “Crusaders” was

assigned to 13th AF and entered combat in June 1943, operating from bases in the Solomon Islands. In March 1945

the group moved to the Philippines and attacked shipping

along the China coast, targets in French Indochina and

bombed airfields and installations in the Philippines. They

also supported ground operations on Mindanao and supported Australian forces on Borneo during May and June

1945. Early in 1945 fifth unit, 100th BS, previously known

as 106th Reconnaisance Squadron, was incorporated into

the Crusaders. This Mitchell was assigned to Lt. Thomas

Cockrell, whose son Gordon later followed father’s foot-

steps as he served with US Army as a helicopter pilot. The

colors of the noseart are not known, we tend to believe

the blue colors of Crusaders’ shield and of the insignia

were used. Red central circle is also possible, but the red

circles were something unwanted on the aircraft fighting

against Japanese…

B-25J-30, 44-31063, 498th BS, 345th BG, 5th AF, le Shima, Okinawa, Japan, July 1945

One of the most famous and colorful units in the Pacific,

the “Air Apaches”, was constituted on September 3, 1942,

as 345th Bombing Group (medium) and after activation

they trained immediately with B-25s. Originally, they were

to be deployed in UK, but Major General George C. Kenney

had successfully pledged for more B-25 units to be assigned to his 5th Air Force. Thus, in April 1943, the Group

moved to the Pacific Theatre and after arrival to Austra-

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INFO Eduard

lia, their B-25Ds were field-modified to Strafer version

according to the instructions set-up by famous “Pappy”

Gunn, at the time already the Technical Officer of the 5th

Air Force. The “Air Apaches” participated with these and

later with B-25Js in no less than nine major campaigns.

All four squadrons they consisted of had their distinctive

markings and names, the 498th BS being known as “Falcons” with the stylized falcon head adorning the nose of

each aircraft of the unit. The state of Darlin’ Donna portrayed here matches the appearance of the aircraft when

it arrived at le Shima at the end of July 1945. It was not

sporting the famous Indian head nor the white wingtips,

applied at the time already. The leading edges of the tail

surfaces and wing had irregular strikes of the green color

darker than the original and worn Olive Drab.

January 2023