Another nose-art story brought to you by Aerothentic
  F-5B-1-LO 'Camera Shy' Serial # 42-67561

25th and 26th Photo Reconnaissance Squadrons

6th Photo Group

Fifth Air Force

 
 

Camera Shy served with both the 25th and 26th PRS, and was transferred into the former on 28th July 1944.

The F-4 and F-5 designations were reconnaissance Lightnings, and they entered the SWPA theatre painted light blue for camouflage purposes. The Japanese soon realized that the blue aircraft played purely a reconnaissance role, and a blue Lightning overhead meant that photos were being taken.

The F-4s and F-5s had four-engined counterparts however. A blue paint scheme reduced the speed of F-7 reconnaissance Liberators by 10 mph or so and their distinctive color also provided telltale evidence of areas in which Allied forces had interest. Soon after arrival in the theatre in early 1944 the Liberators would be stripped of their paint, but not the reconnaissance Lightnings which would keep their duck-egg blue scheme for the war's duration.

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