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.

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.