USN WWII Tail Codes (Geometric Shapes)

**CliffyB** · 08-11-2008 12:20 AM

Hey guys, I am trying to find a list, chart, etc... of the geometric shape tail codes USN aircraft carried in the middle of the war. I've poured over countless photos and have only able to find out a few of the symbols and no definitive list anywhere. Any help will be appreciated and I apologize if the answer is already on this site but I tried searching before I posted this and no luck. Thanks in advance!

**syscom3** · 08-11-2008 02:05 AM

I think some of the books put out by "squadron/signal" publications have it.

**Wurger** · 08-12-2008 04:37 PM

I have seen something like this somewhere.If I recall it myself I can upload it.

**Lucky13** · 08-12-2008 05:07 PM

Like USS Bunker Hill's CV-17 Arrow etc....?

**Micdrow** · 08-12-2008 07:42 PM

Im not exactly sure where I found this. Quality is not the best but maybe it will help.

**CliffyB** · 08-12-2008 08:21 PM

Originally Posted by Micdrow

Im not exactly sure where I found this. Quality is not the best but maybe it will help.

YES!!!! You're awesome! If you can remember where you found that you'll be even more awesome.

The only ones missing are the carriers that were sunk or weren't in the Pacific. If anyone has their codes (providing they had any) feel free to add it to the list.

CV-2,4,5,7,8,37
CVL-23

Thanks again guys!!!

**Lucky13** · 08-12-2008 09:28 PM

I don't think that USS Lexington, Ranger, Yorktown, Wasp and Hornet had these "G" symbols as they were sunk before they come into use...

**CliffyB** · 08-12-2008 10:15 PM

Gotcha, wasn't sure exactly when the "G" symbols came into use.

**Lucky13** · 08-13-2008 12:17 AM

I'm not sure either mate, my guess is sometime during '44.

**otftch** · 08-13-2008 02:24 AM

I don't know if this will help."Color Schemes and Markings U.S.Navy Aircraft 1911-1950.Author is BillC Kilgrain.Book is 8"X5" and paperbound.I've had it for years so I can't tell you where I got it.There is no ISBN number,only printed in Canada.It has all tail codes and the wing markings (geometric to go with them) along with the escort carrier markings,and many photos.
Ed

**Lucky13** · 08-13-2008 07:49 AM

This one? Which you can buy on CD now on ebay for $12.95....

Color Schemes and Markings U.S. Navy Aircraft 1911-1950 - eBay (item 140153933739 end time Aug-27-08 08:22:16 PDT)

**CliffyB** · 08-18-2008 10:06 PM

Thanks for all the help guys. I scooped up Squadron's "USN Colors and Camo '41-'45" and it's in the mail right now. I'll look around for the 1911-1950 book and grab a copy of it as well when I can. I'm doing research for a for some drawings/paintings and you've made my life a lot easier, thanks again!

**CliffyB** · 08-30-2008 06:46 PM

For future reference guys, I was able to find out that the "G Codes" were in use from January until August of 1945. In August they transitioned to the Letter Codes.

**R Leonard** · 08-30-2008 09:17 PM

Specifically, ComAirPac ordered the G codes for each CV and CVL to be effective 27 January 1944. These were to replace designs used by some, but not all, embarked air groups. The G codes were replaced by letters, either single or double depending on the CV or CVL, effective 28 July 1945.

**CliffyB** · 09-01-2008 07:09 PM

Originally Posted by R Leonard

Specifically, ComAirPac ordered the G codes for each CV and CVL to be effective 27 January 1944. These were to replace designs used by some, but not all, embarked air groups. The G codes were replaced by letters, either single or double depending on the CV or CVL, effective 28 July 1945.

I stand corrected, thanks for the info man.