Amazon Battle Colors Category:  History Publisher: Schiffer Military History ISBN-10:  0764334018 Type: Non-Fiction Pages: 141 Copyright: 2009 ISBN-13: 9780764334016 Price: $38.00 (eBook) • USAAF / Mediterranean Theater of Operations • Insignia & Tactical Aircraft Markings of the Ninth, Twelfth and Fifteenth Air Forces in World WarII Volume IV of the Battle Colors© series concludes the examination of USAAF combat insignia and aircraft tactical markings in the European Theater during WWII. Covered within this work are the Ninth, Twelfth, and Fifteenth AAFs from the first to last combat operations by U.S. air power in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations. These operations were extensive and covered territory extending from the sands of North Africa to the heartland of Germany, and from the shores of French Morocco to the oil fields of Romania. Combat units covered include both Day and Night fighters, Bombers, Troop Transports, and Reconnaissance and Special Operations groups/squadrons. All combat units assigned or attached to either of the three AAFs are covered within this work, utilizing over 1,123 full color illustrations and wartime photos. These depict every currently known AAF group/squadron insignia belonging to the Air Forces being examined. Included are both official and unofficial combat insignia, in addition to many designs that were superseded by later images. Wartime photos showing common applications of these unit insignia are interspersed throughout the text. Aircraft tactical markings are depicted via original full color illustrations, showing full and close-up profiles in addition to upper elevation views when appropriate. All known Theater airfield assignment locations and dates are detailed with color area maps included within each respective units section, and are all fully indexed for ease of reference in the back of the book. Reader-friendly "Group Markings" and "Group/Squadron Code" visual indexes are also included to assist research into specific AAF units. Additional topics addressed include the evolution of U.S. AAC/AAF national markings, combat mission markings, and basis airframe nomenclature. Those familiar with Volume III of this series (which deals exclusively with the Ninth USAAF) may wonder initially whether the inclusion of the Ninth in this current work is a rehash of material covered in Volume III. It is not! Volume IV deals with the same subject matter, but at an earlier period of the Ninth AAFs deployment in the MTO, prior to redeployment of this unit to the UK, from which point Volume III picks up.

Amazon Books
5.0 out of 5 stars
Highly recommended! This is THE series to have as reference ...
ByAmazon Customeron December 6, 2014
Verified Purchase
Highly recommended! This is THE series to have as reference material for the USAAC/USAAF in World War II. Color illustrations and photographs complement the written material in a clear manner.

Amazon Books
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderful illustrations great source of information
ByLaurie Johnsonon December 5, 2012
Verified Purchase
Was so impressed with Battle Colors II that I bought this one for my son as well. Which he loved for the same reasons as the first book he got. Not only is the information in the book different from anything I have seen, the illustrations are wonderfully done as well.

Amazon Books
5.0 out of 5 stars
No other reference materials required.
ByRobert P. Dyeron December 20, 2015
Verified Purchase
I have Volumes 2,4,&5 for my hobby needs and require no others. Haven't found any mistakes or color questions