I know that after Italy, the US Army started using "air recognition" flags or panels allied vehicles for identification to avoid air strikes by friendlies. They were: AL 140 flourescent red, and AL 141 flourescent yellow. These I know were used in differing or changing scheduals to confuse and keep the Germans from knowing which colors to use and which not. Cool idea.
My question is, does anyone know if these where used consistanly through-out the remainder of the war, and where they used during the battle @ Bastogne - the Bulge?

Thanks in advance, TAI.

Of all the pics I've seen in books, you just don't see that many air recognition flags on allied vehicles...their mainly on the axis ones.

Ken,
I dont know much about the WWII era, but I do know we used them during the Gulf War. So I guess you can say its been in the manuals since then. We used the Red Flourescent flags.

And now a really silly question... how do you model one of those.. I tried to make air recognition flags with paper tissue and sergical gloves (hmm.. ) but wasn't really satisfied with the results.. how do you guys do it?

Mario M.

the best way to make air recognition flags is with the lead foil found on wine and champagne bottles. Cut out with a very sharp x-acto then position on the kit where you want it. Work in the folds, wrinkles, etc. Then paint and weather, positioning first helps you avoid scratching or flaking the paint while you "wrinkle it". Once the paint is dry, glue in place. This method has worked flawlessly for me every time.

kf8xo

The standard visual recognition panel is known as a VS-17 panel. We have used them since the Second World War. During the War, the panel was positioned over the rear deck of the vehicle. Rest assured that is you place one an M-4 of the 4th Armored Division's 37th Tank Battalion in a Battle of the Bulge diorama no one will ever question you as to the authenticity. You can also use them in modern armor dioramas. For example, a M-113 series vehicle sometimes placed them over the trim vane on the front slope when performing a forward passage of lines. This identified the vehicle as friendly when coming towards a friendly unit. Now, this works fine in a training scenario. In real life, you would never do this as it provides a magnificent aiming point for any clown attempting to ruin your day. Hope this helps.
DJ

Indeed it all helps. I was just looking for some nods as to it being used in the Battle of the Bulge. Wouldn't want anyone saying "what's that there for?"

Thanks guys.

Well if anyone has asked you give them that little frown a more learned person uses to say "that was a stupid statement, man you are a moron aren't you" and then you tell them exactly what DJ said "The standard visual recognition panel is known as a VS-17 panel. We have used them since the Second World War. During the War, the panel was positioned over the rear deck of the vehicle." Then with a little flinch of your upper lip, in a wry smile, you turn away...that should work!

Does anyone have a pic of an allied tank with a VS-17 panel (thanks 210Cav)?

Bryan--I can dig one up tonight when I go home. If you have either the Time Life series on World War II or the remarkable (expensive) After the Battle Book on the Bulge both have ample photos.
DJ

I don't have either one of those references but could check for the Battle of the Bulge book at Barnes and Noble during my next visit. The pic would be appreciated DJ, thanks.

I will see what I can find tonight. Since most of these are black and white shots, it is difficult to detect the VS-17 panel on top of the gear. In the days before the bustle racks, you piled in all on the rear deck and covered everything with a tarp.
DJ

Bryan--I found a great shot of an M4 Sherman in snow camouflage with the VS-17 clearly visible. I will scan and get to you shortly.
DJ

Thanks DJ!

DJ, If that is a colour picture I would appreciate a copy too.
thanks.

DJ, me too, as sort of one of those "reference junkies"! The need to gather material is never abaited!!!

tanks--no that baby is B&W photo. However, you can clearly see the VS-17 panel atop the bundle of equipment. The colors of the panel is a bright yellow on one side and a fluorescent red on the reverse side. I will put the exact dimensions in the scan for you. Seems to me it is about three feet across and six feet long with 550 nylon tiedowns at each fold.
DJ

DJ,
Don't know if you guys can get military modelling Magazine but Steve Zaloga has some information on the air recognition panels in his article on the M8 Greyhound, plus a colour photograph of one on a truck. I would still be happy to receive a copy of the picture though.
Tanks, hmm.....thanks!

Tank--Military Modeling Magazine? Ain't seen that hummer. I receive FSM and MMiR. Where can I see a copy of that fine magazine?
thanks
DJ

I think it may be just a UK magazine then, but they do have a web site :-

www.militarymodelling.com

The article is in Vol 32 No 1 Jan - Feb 2002

Hope this helps

Guys--I just sent Jim the photo of an M4 Sherman pushing T-1E3 mine rollers with the VS 17 panel displayed on the back deck. Nice photo. Look at the pusher plate on the rear of the tank when he post the photo.
DJ

I don't know where I learned about the VS17 panels. But I must have because I included one on my Halftrack. I think I got this info from a reference book I had at the time. Squadron?

http://armorama.com/modules/gallery/albums/album57/aag.sized.jpg

Here is the pic that DJ sent me:
http://armorama.com/modules/gallery/albums/album15/abf.sized.jpg

Jim--you did well again. Many thanks
DJ :-)

Yep.. I received it for couple of years and it is one of my favourite magazines... it is published in UK, so it could be a bit expencive for you guys from USA... but I think it is well worth the price..
Tanks gave you the web address.. check it out...

Mario M.

Tanks, I get that magazine every month! Excellent article on the ID Panels!! Even has a color shot of one on the roof a 2 1/2. Very nice build-up of the M8 too.
All my questions have been answered. Thanks guys! :-)