Marks of Distinction

Inspired by the Marmot’s  cool photo of a Japanese zero in U.S. markings, I rounded up a few other pictures of cross-dressed aircraft and tanks  from World War II.

• Me-109 in British markings
• Russian T-34, KV-1, and other type armored vehicles in German markings
• Russian KV-1 tanks in German markings
• A Spitfire, and other  allied aircraft, in German markings
• German Ju-87 “Stuka” in British markings
• B-17 in German markings  (more)
• B-17 in Swiss markings
• Sherman tank in German markings
• King Tiger tank in American markings

From my reading of the North African and Eastern Front campaigns, I understand that it was especially common to press captured vehicles into service there.  You have to wonder how many “friendly fire” kills this practice  caused.  From my experiences at the National Training Center at Ft. Irwin, I suspect that most friend-or-foe identifications are done at ranges where you can make out your target’s silhouette, but not its markings.

And finally, a real novelty:  a Soviet Mi-24 “Hind” painted like a redneck monster truck, complete  with airbrushed eagle plumage.  I recall seeing this described as a scene from Afghanistan, but one glance at the scenery and the buildings in the background will tell you it’s more likely Southern Europe.  I have to say this is almost enough to make you rethink that whole “swords-to-plowshares” concept.  Tacky, but in a way that’s somehow endearing.