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-
32
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