"Finger Four"
The Finger Four formation was first used by the Germans during WWI and then reinvented by the
Luftwaffe during the Spanish Civil War. It was widely accepted by all nations during WW II as the best
formation for combat. The flight consisted of a leader (#1) and his wingman (#2) joined by an element
leader (#3) and his wingman (#4). The flight and element leaders are the attackers and the wingman’s job
is to keep their leaders aware of any threat from the rear. Look at the back of your flattened hand and you
can visualize how the aircraft are generally positioned as well as how the name was derived. By flying in
a more spread out manner the formation was very maneuverable and provided wider visual coverage by
the wingmen to the rear. For flying in the weather or for show the formation flew much closer.
Finger Four depicts four P-51Mustangs from the 363rd Fighter Squadron of the 357th Fighter Group
assigned to the 8th Air Force in the ETO. The 357th was best known as the highest scoring unit in the
shortest time, 595.5 enemy aircraft destroyed in the air in 14 months. The unique aspect of this
illustration is that it displays both the variety of paint schemes and the variants of the Mustangs flown by
the Group.
Above, Col. Clarence E ‘Bud’ Anderson then a Major is the flight leader (#1) flying a classic P-51D s/n 44-
414450 B6-S “Old Crow” in natural aluminum paint scheme. He was a triple ace destroying 16 enemy
aircraft in the air.
1st Lt John Skara is flying as Andersons wingman (#2) in an early model Mustang with the birdcage
canopy painted in a half natural aluminum and half dark green camouflage paint scheme. “Doodlebug” is
P-51B s/n 42-106458 B6-Z.
Captain William R O’Brien, in the element leader position (#3) is flying a late model Mustang but in a solid
dark green camouflage paint scheme. P-51D 44-13522 B6-G was named “Billy’s Bitch.” O’Bee was an ace
with 6 aerial victories.
1st Lt William B Overstreet is the (#4) member of the flight as O’Brien’s wingman is flying P-51B s/n 42-
103309 B6-O. “Berlin Express” is also in a hybrid pint scheme. This aircraft was equipped with a Malcolm
hood. This type canopy was developed by the British to eliminate the birdcage and provide better
visibility. Overstreet had 2 confirmed aerial victories.
(Legend for Finger Four courtesy of Colonel Clarence C.E. “Bud” Anderson, USAF Retired.)
Luftwaffe during the Spanish Civil War. It was widely accepted by all nations during WW II as the best
formation for combat. The flight consisted of a leader (#1) and his wingman (#2) joined by an element
leader (#3) and his wingman (#4). The flight and element leaders are the attackers and the wingman’s job
is to keep their leaders aware of any threat from the rear. Look at the back of your flattened hand and you
can visualize how the aircraft are generally positioned as well as how the name was derived. By flying in
a more spread out manner the formation was very maneuverable and provided wider visual coverage by
the wingmen to the rear. For flying in the weather or for show the formation flew much closer.
Finger Four depicts four P-51Mustangs from the 363rd Fighter Squadron of the 357th Fighter Group
assigned to the 8th Air Force in the ETO. The 357th was best known as the highest scoring unit in the
shortest time, 595.5 enemy aircraft destroyed in the air in 14 months. The unique aspect of this
illustration is that it displays both the variety of paint schemes and the variants of the Mustangs flown by
the Group.
Above, Col. Clarence E ‘Bud’ Anderson then a Major is the flight leader (#1) flying a classic P-51D s/n 44-
414450 B6-S “Old Crow” in natural aluminum paint scheme. He was a triple ace destroying 16 enemy
aircraft in the air.
1st Lt John Skara is flying as Andersons wingman (#2) in an early model Mustang with the birdcage
canopy painted in a half natural aluminum and half dark green camouflage paint scheme. “Doodlebug” is
P-51B s/n 42-106458 B6-Z.
Captain William R O’Brien, in the element leader position (#3) is flying a late model Mustang but in a solid
dark green camouflage paint scheme. P-51D 44-13522 B6-G was named “Billy’s Bitch.” O’Bee was an ace
with 6 aerial victories.
1st Lt William B Overstreet is the (#4) member of the flight as O’Brien’s wingman is flying P-51B s/n 42-
103309 B6-O. “Berlin Express” is also in a hybrid pint scheme. This aircraft was equipped with a Malcolm
hood. This type canopy was developed by the British to eliminate the birdcage and provide better
visibility. Overstreet had 2 confirmed aerial victories.
(Legend for Finger Four courtesy of Colonel Clarence C.E. “Bud” Anderson, USAF Retired.)
Here at Ozark Airfield Artworks we offer a large selection art prints. These prints mainly
depict modern and historic aviation along with military, civil and space flight. We also deal
with naval subjects and military armor and infantry works. These prints are from all the top
national and international artists along with some local artists. Many of our prints are
signed by the artist and by famous pilots and veterans. If you are looking for a specific
plane, pilot, artist or subject please contact us.
depict modern and historic aviation along with military, civil and space flight. We also deal
with naval subjects and military armor and infantry works. These prints are from all the top
national and international artists along with some local artists. Many of our prints are
signed by the artist and by famous pilots and veterans. If you are looking for a specific
plane, pilot, artist or subject please contact us.
Copyright © Ozark Airfield Artworks 2005 All Rights Reserved
All images are copyrighted by the individual artist and may not be reproduced
without their consent.
without their consent.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Ozark Airfield Artworks
See our great selection of
artists like Sam Lyons,
John D Shaw, Robert
Bailey, & Thomas Smith!
artists like Sam Lyons,
John D Shaw, Robert
Bailey, & Thomas Smith!