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Nose art painted by Sgt Amos Nicholson
343rd Bomb
Squadron, 98th Bomb Group
Kabrit, Libya, North Africa
DAMFINO B-24D 42-40655
This B24 is shows the only known departure from the cartoon imagery
which Amos Nicholson used for his other nose art paintings. On the other side of the nose the title "Four Eyes" was carried
but it is not known if that was also a Nicholson artwork. This twin-prop breasted flying nude was a popular
image amongst the air and ground crews of the USAAF and it was used on many different aircraft in other
theatres of operation. So popular was it that it must have originated from one of the many magazines of the
period which incorporated pin up art but who conceived the original it is still unknown. It is reminiscent of Alberto
Vargas' painting which appeared in Esquire magazine's fold-out centre spread but the addition of the whirling
props is a later enhancement. If anyone can provide an insight into this I would like to hear from them -- and
also see any other examples of the extraordinarily blessed young lady adorning other aircraft!!
© Ray Bowden
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