P-39Q belonging to 101 GIAP at Poltava airfield, Ukraine in early June 1944. This plane was photographed by an American bomber crewman who was part of the first "shuttle bombing" mission of Operation Frantic. It is possible that 101 GIAP provided air cover for Poltava while the American bombers were stationed there. But other than base defense, the Soviets did not work in conjunction with American forces while they were guests of the Soviet Union. By June 11th, the American bombers returned to home bases in Italy and 101 GIAP was transferred to Belarus to participate in Operation Bagration.
This aircraft featured a fairly dark OD paint with no signs of over-painted American markings. A white kill board is painted on the engine hatch with nine red stars indicating the pilot's victory claims. The Soviet Guards emblem is painted on the left door indicating this unit's elite status. Regiment markings consisted of white spinner and redder trim tab with a small Soviet red star on the tail.
