Hi Thomas
The Bf 109 was Roumanian and flown all the way from Roumania to Italy by the pilot 'Bazu' Cantacuzino, the leading ace of the ARR (Roumanian Air Force). He was attempting to bring details of a peace overture from the Roumanians to the Western Allies. Basically the Bf 109 was plastereed with Stars and Stripes so that he wouldn't get shot down in the process!
If you want to know more go to this titally brilliant site and type in Bazu or Cantacuzino in the search engine and you'll undoutably find more:
http://www.worldwar2.ro/forum/index.php?act=idx
Blessings
Chris