In the link I posted earlier I got a few replies of interest.
"This may be one of the P-38s painted in the short-lived NWAAF scheme for this type ( the others were A-20, P-40, B-17, B-24 and B-25). The patterns came from HQ NWAAF Engineer's Section on 10 March 1943 and were Army rather than AAF colours. Colours were Field Drab 303, Olive Drab 319, Earth Yellow 305, Earth Brown 302, Earth Red 312, Sand 306 , undersides Light Blue; P-38s were to use Field Drab over the existing Olive Drab 41 ( "General Scheme"). 303 was a darkish brown shade which would contrast well with faded OD41.
The Spec. was Corps of Engineers T-1213 dated Dec. 15 1941, this order entitled " Instructions for aircraft camouflage NW African Theatre". The actual patterns could be amended if necessary. The aim was better concealment from the air following the German successes at Kasserine in Feb.
The 37FS moved to Algeria from the US on 27 Feb. 1943 under NWAAF; the 14FG stood down from Jan.-May for re-equipping etc ( some planes went to the 82FG). It's possible some P-38s were re-painted towards the end of this period but photos are rare , the scheme could be mistaken for normal desert weathering which led to various patchy finishes.
From May the group was bombing with 1,000 lbs.( Axis surrender in the area was 13 May).
I posted some stuff on these schemes in another thread somewhere.
Nick"
"How nice to get some additional, and very useful, information on this paint scheme after over two years. Plane number 86 was the A/C of the eventual ace Maj. William L. Leverette of the 37th FS. Maj. Leverette was credited with seven victories plus two damaged (Ju88s) on 9 Oct, 1943. He went on to the rank of Lt Col with 11 confirmed kills. Maj. Leverette is the third from the right in this photo.
My guess is that the plane in the video I mentioned in my original posting, and that had an indistinct number (02 or 82) was most likely 82, a 37th FS number. That would be 2nd Lt. Harry T. Hannah's A/C. He shot down five Ju87s plus 1 probable in the same battle on the 9th. Lt. Hannah may well be in the photo above - I just can't identify him. It was a memorable day - four other pilots claimed victories that day; 2nd Lt. Wayne Blue - 1 Ju88, 2nd Lt. Donald Clark - 1 , Lt. Homer Sprinkle - 3 victories plus 1 probable, 2nd Lt. Robert Margison - 1 Ju87, 2nd Lt. Donald Clark - 1 victory. Not bad for 15 minutes work for seven guys. There were seven men from the 37th in that engagement and there are seven men in the photo. I only can clearly identify Maj. Leverette. Anyone recognize the others?
Ref: The 14th Fighter Group in World War II. John W. Lambert. ISBN: 978-0-7643-2921-0
Paul"
http://forum.armyairforces.com/14th-FG-P38-in-curious-desert-camouflage-m207590.aspx
