Brushstrokes

Nose Art Goes to War

The depiction of intricate designs, figures, and names painted on war machinery was an age-old tradition long before World War II fighters and bombers entered the fray. The Vikings adorned their warships with likenesses of dragons, chesty ladies, and clan crests. European knights decorated their swords and shields with similar designs, and not to be outdone, the Indians of the American West painted their ponies in preparation for battle.

The “Zodiac” B-24Hs from the 834th BS, 486th BG, RAF Sudbury, England. (Photos courtesy of Stan Piet) Opposite page, top left: Col. Philip Adair and his Burmese Banshee P-40, 89th FS, 80th FG, 10th AF. (Photo courtesy of James P. Busha)Top right: B-29 315th BW, BG 335 Sq, 331st BS, based on Guam. (Photo courtesy of Stan Piet)