Douglas RA-24A Banshee 42-60881 United States Army Air Force

These are 1/72 scale decals for Douglas RA-24A Banshee 42-60881, assigned to the 3rd Tow Target Squadron, United States Army Air Forces — a unit manned by pilots of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP).

The “R” prefix in the RA-24A designation stands for restricted — denoting an aircraft deemed no longer suitable for combat use but still fully airworthy and assigned to non-combat support duties. In this case, the tow target mission: flying steady, predictable patterns while trailing aerial gunnery targets for trainee gunners and fighter pilots to practice against — a demanding and often dangerous job that required skilled, steady hands at the controls.

The 3rd Tow Target Squadron was one of the USAAF units staffed by WASP pilots — the remarkable women who flew virtually every type of aircraft in the American inventory during World War II, freeing male pilots for combat duty. WASP pilots ferried aircraft, towed targets, tested repaired aircraft, and performed countless other essential missions, often in aircraft like the RA-24A that demanded real skill and nerve. Though they served without military status and received little recognition at the time, the WASP's contribution to the American war effort was immense and irreplaceable.

One of the most historically meaningful subjects in the entire Banshee catalog — a tribute to the women who flew in the shadows of World War II. Please allow some time for decal printing and shipping.