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Nose art painted by Sgt Amos Nicholson
343rd Bomb
Squadron, 98th Bomb Group
Kabrit, Libya, North Africa
DAMFINO B-24D Serial
No. ?????
The serial number for this B24 is still unidentified and so its history remains unrecorded but it shows the only departure from the cartoon imagery which Amos Nicholson used for his other nose art paintings. 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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