I 'm trying to figure out a specific marking on USAF Sabres 1953 in Korea
I'll use John Glenn's as an example as it's very well documented
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Glen flew in "B" Flight, 25th Fighter Interception Squadron, part of the 51st Fighter Wing operating F-86F Sabres out of K-13, Suwon.
The chequered tail marking was used in Korea and elsewhere to denote the 51st FW - some of the pilots also had the same chequered black and white pattern on their helmets. The 25th had a separate badge which doesn't appear to be on the aircraft but was certainly on some flying suits.
My question is what is the red stripe near the top of the tail? I suspect it's a Squadron marking as another Squadron in the 51st had an identical tail but with a yellow stripe.
Can anyone cast some light please?