Need info: BF109 with checkerboard pattern on nose

[JBAviationArt]

Hi,

I have spoken with a B-17 tail gunner from the 351st BG 508th Sqdrn who
shot down a Bf109 with yellow and red checkerboard on the nose up to the cockpit. I have never seen or heard about such a paint job on a BF109. Earlier on the same mission he shot down an FW190. Here is some more data about the mission:

Aircraft# 42-97843
Mission# 178
28 Jul 1944 (Fri)
Pilot: Dreyer, Elmer J 0-697403
Sqdrn 508
Target Merseberg

The tail gunners name is Art Kemp.

Can anyone verify the paint scheme on the BF109? I am recreating the account as a painting for a magazine and I am concerned that if I go to "artist interpretation" that I may get it way wrong. I have not found anything and I am concluding that it was a personal (unrecorded) paint job. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

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