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This is the place where the majority of the warbird (aircraft that have survived military service) discussions will take place. Specialized forums may be added in the new future
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Nose Artists

Wed Dec 03, 2008 8:22 am

I used to know a man who did nose art on bombers during WW2, in the Pacific. He was with a B-24 unit and used to do it either for free or for beer while a Marine on the island charged 50 bucks. The man I knew (can't remember his name though Rusty is ringing a bell) had a specialty of including a mirror in his compostion so that the boys could get a look at both sides of the nude figures. I traveled in a group to the Smithsonian and he brought photos of his work and the staff basically grabbed him up right there and interviewed him, copied and catalogued his work and found photos of his work that he didn't have.

His name was Rusty Restuccia, he actually had some art training before his service and was based at Angon Island. I think later he was on Okinawa.

Anyone else ever know a Nose Artist?
Last edited by John Dupre on Thu Dec 04, 2008 12:49 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Wed Dec 03, 2008 10:51 am

I didn't know him but his work seems to be among the best known:

http://www.usaaf-noseart.co.uk/starcer-tony.htm

http://www.91stbombgroup.com/nose_artists/starcer.html

And a snapshot of him repainting SSSB:

http://www.depot41.com/PartsInPlanes.htm

Thank goodness for his talent and the talent of all the other nose artists - what a legacy they've left.
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