List of USAAF squadron codes

For each squadron code—painted on the plane's fuselage—the associated bombardment squadron (BS) is listed, along with the squadron's bombardment group (BG). Most commonly, a group would have four squadrons. Also listed is the group's tail code—the noted letter would appear inside the geometric shape (for example, ▲J means the letter J would appear inside a triangle). Some squadrons and groups also used specific color bands on the wings or empennage of their aircraft; such colorings are not presented here.

Notes:

• 381st BG: some squadrons were assigned more than one code
• 482d BG: Pathfinder squadrons with variable use of codes
• Some squadrons used colors rather than characters; these are listed below

A B-24 with squadron code 2C, denoting the 838th Bombardment Squadron of the 487th Bombardment Group (tail Square P)

A B-17 with squadron code LL, denoting the 401st Bombardment Squadron of the 91st Bombardment Group (tail Triangle A)

A B-17 with squadron code VE, denoting the 532d Bombardment Squadron of the 381st Bombardment Group (tail Triangle L)

A B-17 with squadron code WF, denoting the 364th Bombardment Squadron of the 305th Bombardment Group (tail Triangle G; obscured in photo)

Source:[1]

Color codings

Notes:

• 457th BG: colors on propeller hubs
• 388th BG: two black bands on tail and wing (all squadrons)

A B-17 of the 385th Bombardment Group (tail Square G)

Color	BS	BG	Tail
Black *	560th	388th	■H
Black *	561st	388th	■H
Black *	562d	388th	■H
Black *	563d	388th	■H
Blue *	548th	385th	■G
Blue *	749th	457th	▲U
Green *	551st	385th	■G
Red *	550th	385th	■G
Red *	748th	457th	▲U
White *	750th	457th	▲U
Yellow *	549th	385th	■G
Yellow *	751st	457th	▲U

• List of RAF squadron codes
• USAAF unit identification aircraft markings

• USAAF Training Aircraft Fuselage Codes of WW II