#WW2 pilots

[onefootin1941]

Three top ace fighter pilots of World War 2, from the 56th Fighter Group

(Left to right) Robert Johnson, Hubert “Hub” Zemke and Walker “Bud” Mahurin. (National Archives)

[sweaterkittensahoy]

I need an Ice Cold Katy jacket so much. These are all so great, but the design on that Jacket translated from the plane is just exquisite.

Tailspin Tapestries: The Colorful Faces of WWII Aircraft 🃏

Nose art, the decorative painting or design on the fuselage of military aircraft, has a storied history that peaked during World War II. This vibrant, often cheeky artwork served as a morale booster for the crew, adding a personal touch to the grimness of war and providing a sentimental tie to the home they were fighting to protect. The practice traces its origins to Italian and German pilots in World War I, but it was during World War II that American airmen embraced this form of expression with unparalleled creativity.

World War II represented the golden age of nose art, with American crews stationed in Europe and the Pacific leading in creativity. Artworks ranged from ferocious animals and cartoon characters to pin-up girls and patriotic symbols, each with a unique name that reflected the aircraft's character, the crew's aspirations, or an inside joke among the squadron. Names like "Memphis Belle," "Enola Gay," and "Sack Time" became as legendary as the aircraft themselves, symbolizing the spirit of the crew and their mission.

Nose art was crucial to boosting morale among crew members, providing a sense of individuality and ownership over their aircraft in an otherwise regimented and dehumanizing environment. This artwork fostered an emotional attachment to their planes, with each piece a vivid manifestation of the crew's bond. It represented a piece of home and personality in foreign skies, a reminder of what they fought for and the camaraderie that sustained them.

The subject matter of nose art varied widely, reflecting diverse personalities within the crews. Cartoons and comic characters like Donald Duck and Bugs Bunny were favorites for their humor and relatability. Artwork also featured fierce sharks, tigers, and eagles, symbolizing the aircraft and crew's power and aggression.

Many nose art pieces were painted by the crew members themselves, though some squads had designated artists. Individuals like Don Allen, who painted nearly 100 pieces of nose art, were celebrated for their contributions. Using whatever materials were at hand, these artists created masterpieces under challenging conditions, showcasing remarkable ingenuity and talent.

The practice of nose art declined after World War II, largely due to stricter military regulations and the evolving nature of warfare. However, its legacy endures, captivating historians, veterans, and enthusiasts. World War II nose art remains a powerful reminder of the human element amidst war's machinery, a colorful testament to the resilience, creativity, and spirit of those who served.

The National Archives holds a treasure trove of photographs featuring this iconic nose art, often discovered in ordinary crew photos where the art itself isn't the primary focus of the image. This creates a fascinating treasure hunt for enthusiasts and researchers alike, offering glimpses into the past where this artwork accompanies stories of bravery, camaraderie, and the personal touches that made these aircraft more than just machines of war.

More resources on the National Archives website and Catalog:

https://nara.getarchive.net/topics/nose+art https://www.archives.gov/research/military/ww2/photos

[wombywoo]

#OC Vincent~

[theworldatwar]

An RAF Supermarine Walrus seaplane comes to the aid of a downed pilot - English Channel 1943

[nocternalrandomness]

Tuskegee Airmen from the 332nd FG photographed in Aug 1944 at Ramitelli Airfield , Italy

[pukindog-v2]

American Volunteer Group - AVG - pilot and group candids

[dronescapesvideos]

Brigadier General David “Tex” Hill on the wing of his P-51 Mustang 26th FS 51st FG, 1944

➤➤ VIDEO: https://youtu.be/oiI6ZPv1OWU

➤➤ HD Image: https://tinyurl.com/3dxwdvrz

[russellius]

GEORGE RUSSELL for L'Officiel Hommes, photographed by Mathieu César.

[pilot4008]

Unique gift ideas for Military Pilot members and Veterans!  #USAF #USARMY #USNavy #militarypilot @RoyalAirForce #Military #Pilot #giftideas #a10warthog artboard, coffee cup , T-shirt, more then 87+ product Only For Fighter PILOT = SHOP NOW 

F22 RAPTOR Phone Case

[cid5]

The pilots of the 94th squadron of the RAF, guarded by soldiers of the Arab Legion, refuel before the raid on Habbaniya. May 8, 1941

[deutschland-im-krieg]

Future 104 victory ace and Ritterkreuz mit Eichenlaub, Schwertern und Brillanten (Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves, Swords and Diamonds) holder Adolf Galland with his dog in France, 1940. For more, see my Facebook group - Eagles Of The Reich

[wiltedprayers]

LIFE magazine article on female pilots — July 19, 1943.

The time-honored belief that Army flying is for men only has gone into the ash can. At Avenger Field, near Sweetwater, Texas, girls are flying military planes in a way that Army officers a year or so ago would never have thought possible. These girls, who so joyously scramble into the silver airplanes of the Women's Flying Training Detachment each day, fly with skill, precision and zest, their hearts set on piloting with an unfeminine purpose that might well be a threat to Hitler. Each month scores of them complete their training in Texas and go to the Ferry Command to relieve fighting men for combat duty.

[aviationgeek71]

Son of a Chicago mobster, Lt. Butch O’Hare is shown seated in the cockpit of his Grumman F4F Wildcat fighter, spring 1942. The aircraft is marked with five Japanese flags, representing the five enemy bombers he was credited with shooting down in defense of the USS Lexington. He received the Medal of Honor, but unfortunately would not survive the war; however, his name lives on as Chicago O'Hare international airport (KORD).

[usairforcehistoricsociety]

A captured B17

[pauls1967moustache]

do you have any recent beatles fic faves? :) open to any ship I’m in a fic drought (loved your latest btw!)

Oh thank you! I’ve been so bad about reading fic lately, I’ve had a bunch of tabs open for ages. But here’s what’s in my recent bookmarks:

I’ve loved @planetaire two most recent ones monkey’s paw which has SUCH a good john, and also covers the Japan leg of the ‘66 tour which you don’t see often. Also don’t talk, take my hand about jpy 1968 yellow submarine chaos, a favourite topic of mine, as I’m sure dedicated readers well know.

your lucky break by @o-boogies - I feel like everyone’s read this, and of course why wouldn’t you!! Not only does it pay off on the inherent sex appeal of a jp may/december thing, but also has sublime world-building. What a delightful universe. Captures the mclennon mutual insanity perfectly!

Like I Please You by @eveepe - sexy with just the right brand of insane mclennon sexual escalation. Yeah just put his dick in your mouth paul, it’s nothing!

1969-headache by phyllistine - lovely little character piece about get back! Nails all the dynamics, the undercurrent of love as well as all the overwhelming normal current of tension and awkwardness.

Play me one of yours (been thinking about the scene where Paul’s aunt tries to take his guitar for several weeks now…) and the more recent Hurricaneville (dreamy and lovely and so richly textured) both by the always wonderful @crepesuzette2023

And The Story Continues @javelinbk ‘s hot follow up to beloved Our Version of Events. It’s got glorious smut! It’s got delicious angst! Can’t go wrong :)

Also, not a recent one but one I recently revisited while looking for a quote and realised I didn’t bookmark so quickly rectified that because it’s great - ageless children, animal sweat by @eyeball2eyeball

[nocternalrandomness]

WASP Pilot Deanie Parish in front of her Republic P-47 Thunderbolt at Tyndall Air Force Base - 1944