Photos of Military Nose Art on World War II Aircraft



Nose art on B-24 Liberator "Night Mission"

As the United States entered World War II, nose art regulations were relaxed, or in many cases totally ignored. WWII would become the golden age of aircraft artistry.

Nose art was found on many models of fighters, and bombers such as the B-17 Flying Fortress and the B-24 Liberator.

The B-29 Superfortress was a popular palette due to its large expanse of relatively open "painting space" on the nose of its massive fuselage.

Hundreds of photos exist on the web which give a glimpse into airplane nose art history.

While we enjoy viewing the old photographs, we prefer to see the art work in person to get a better feel as to their size, placement, colors and textures.

We have visited a number of aviation galleries, museums, air parks, and air shows nationwide, and include below some highlights of the excellent aircraft nose art we've had the privilege to photograph.

These facilities feature excellent collections of restored aircraft and nose art.

World War II Airplane Nose Art Photographs

Nose art on B-29 Superfortress "Bockscar" S/N 44-27297 at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force in Dayton, Ohio

B-29 Superfortress "Enola Gay" S/N 44-86292 nose art ... at the Udvar-Hazy Center in Washington, D.C.

Close-up view of B-29 Superfortress "Enola Gay" nose art

B-24 Liberator "Night Mission" nose art

B-24 Liberator "Net Results" nose art

B-17 Flying Fortress "You've Had It" nose art

B-17 Flying Fortress "Sweet LaRhonda" nose art

Nose art on B-17F Flying Fortress "Memphis Belle"

Nose art on B-24 Liberator "Mabel's Labels" ... "Gimme a Great Big Smile!"

engines removed and awaiting the guillotine and smelter as reported in LIFE

Nose art on the B-24 Liberator "Gambler's Luck" at Kingman Army Air Field in Arizona

Nose art painted on Consolidated B-24 Liberator "Solid Comfort" at Kingman Army Air Field

Nose art on the B-24 Liberator "Windy City Kitty" ... "It's Up to You" ...

in the Arizona desert after WWII at Kingman AAF

B-24 Liberator "Virgin Abroad" nose art, after WWII at Kingman AAF

Nose art on a PB4Y-2 Privateer "Lady Luck II"

Nose art on a PB4Y-2 Privateer

Nose art on B-29 Superfortress "Sic 'Em"