P-51D Mustang at Iwo Jima – The colors and insignia of the 45th, 47th & 78th Fighter Squadrons of the 15th Fighter Group

P-51D Mustangs at Iwo Jima – The Colors and Markings of the 45th, 47th & 78th Fighter Squadrons of the 15th Fighter Group
The deployment of the P-51D Mustang to Iwo Jima in early 1945 marked a new era in B-29 Superfortress escort operations over Japan. The squadrons of the 15th Fighter Group – the 45th, 47th and 78th Fighter Squadrons – flew in iconic colors and markings that have become legendary in modeller circles.

In this article, we will examine the colors, airframe codes and markings so you can accurately represent your favorite P-51D.

Operational Background

Based at South Field, Iwo Jima, the 15th Fighter Group provided cover for heavy bombers attacking Japan. The group’s Mustangs were usually the P-51D-20-NA and later P-51D-25-NA version, with the classic “bubble” canopies and 6 Browning .50 cal.

Squadron Colors and Insignia
Each squadron of the 15th Fighter Group had distinct colors on the nose bands, wingtips, and tail fin, with a fuselage letter code that made each aircraft unique.

45th Fighter Squadron
Colors: Blue (Insignia Blue – FS 35177) on the nose, wingtips, and vertical stabilizer.

Fuselage codes: “A” (e.g. A2, A7).

Tail markings: Often included blue horizontal stripes on the horizontal stabilizers.

47th Fighter Squadron
Colors: Orange (Insignia Orange – FS 32246) on the nose, wingtips and vertical stabilizer.

Fuselage codes: “B” (e.g. B3, B8).

Tail markings: Diagonal orange stripes for easy identification.

78th Fighter Squadron
Colors: Red (Insignia Red – FS 31136) on the nose, wingtips and vertical stabilizer.

Fuselage codes: “C” (e.g. C1, C9).

Tail Marking: Often had thin red stripes or squadron insignia.

Technical Details for Modelers

Exterior Finish:
Most Pacific P-51Ds were in Natural Metal Finish (NMF), with an Olive Drab (FS 34087) anti-glare panel on the upper nose. Some aircraft retained Neutral Gray sections on the lower surfaces.

Armament:
6 Browning M2 12.7mm guns with ammunition dischargers in the wings, while drop-tanks were used to increase range (110 or 75 gal). Some P-51Ds were equipped with 5-inch HVAR rockets for attacks on ground targets.

Unit Markings:
In addition to squadron insignia, aircraft often featured nose art with pin-ups, nicknames, and kill markings.

Tips for Accurate Modeling
For decals and masking, opt for kits from brands like Eduard, EagleCals, and KitsWorld that feature authentic 15th Fighter Group markings.

Use high-quality metallic paints, such as Alclad II or AK Extreme Metal, for the NMF.

Emphasize weathering: Even during their brief time on the battlefield, the Iwo Jima Mustangs showed minor wear, smoke from exhaust fumes, and rust on the panels.