|
The following is a list of all known, and some speculated, nose art names of the four Squadrons of 301st BG B-17s. Some spellings may need correction and we heartily welcome any corrections a reader may be able to provide based especially on photographic evidence, but also with consideration of journals, diaries, MACRs, news clippings, letters, bomber jackets, or other recollections. This includes capitalization of any lettering, serial number errors, or Squadron misidentification. We have put an "X" in the first column to show that a photo verification has been made of the spelling and capitalization use of a particular bomber as listed.
A guide to the reference abbreviations used is at the end of the list. Please consult the Books & Movies link for more complete data on any of these publications. If a reader knows of an unlisted published work that has photos of any of these B-17s please let us know!
Do understand that the nose art or name was subject to change in one degree or another during the term of combat service. A B-17 could also have one name on the left side of the nose or tail, and another name on the right side. Some favorite or "good luck" aircraft received a name from a faithful crew but the artwork was never applied. One example we have read of is 44-6429, a B-17G-50-DL of the 353rd BS. According to author Leslie Tyler on page 43 of his book WILD BLUE YONDER, his crew liked the suggested name "Thor's Hammer" for this bird, but it is doubtful that any nose art was ever applied, though the crew may have used the name affectionately thereafter. Just a couple of examples of changed names would include Eight Ball which later became RELUCTANT GREMLIN, or SLOPPY PISS WILLY which was ordered changed to just WILLY.
The Raven newsletter is cited often as a reference. The Issue number follows the {R} abbreviation.
Please contact us with any of the missing puzzle pieces of this interesting study. Thank you.
NoseArt |
Tail Number |
Model |
Other Bomb Groups |
Squadron |
Verified ** |
References |
Notes |
ADA MAE |
44-6451 ? |
B-17G-50-DL |
|
419 |
X |
|
|
ADEL'S ANGEL |
42-5456 |
B-17F-50-BO |
|
419 |
X |
{W} p. 196 |
|
Aint Misbehavin |
42-97284 |
B-17G-40-BO |
|
|
|
|
|
ALL AMERICAN |
41-24406 |
B-17F-5-BO |
|
353 |
|
{PS} p.24,back cover |
|
amazin' MAIZIE |
42-31886 |
B-17G-30-BO |
|
32 |
X |
{FFU} p.41,48 |
|
Amith Angle |
unk |
|
|
|
|
|
(maybe ADEL'S ANGEL ???) |
AVENGER |
41-24346 |
B-17F-1-BO |
99 |
419 |
X |
{W} p. 199 |
as seen photo left side nose |
Avenger |
41-24346 |
B-17F-1-BO |
|
419 |
X |
{UHB} p.10 |
as seen photo right side nose |
BABY |
|
|
|
|
|
{R}40 p.23 list |
|
Bachelors DELIGHT |
42-30497 |
B-17F-105-BO |
|
352 |
X |
{W} p. 110 |
|
Bad Penny |
41-24363 |
B-17F-1-BO |
|
32 |
X |
{FFU} p.6; {PS} p.21 |
|
BEAUTIFUL BABY |
42-30314 |
B-17F-95-BO |
|
353 |
|
|
|
Belching Buzzard |
42-5344 |
B-17F-45-BO |
2, 99 |
419 |
|
|
|
BETSY |
42-3066 |
B-17F-20-DL |
|
353 |
|
|
|
BIG STOOP |
42-3354 |
B-17F-50-DL |
2, 97 |
353 |
|
|
|
Blue Heaven |
unk |
|
|
32 |
|
|
|
Bonnie Sue |
42-30307 |
B-17F-95-BO |
|
419 |
|
|
|
BOUNCIN' BABY |
|
B-17G |
|
419 |
X |
|
|
BRITE EYES |
42-30403 |
B-17F-100-BO |
2 |
419 |
X |
{W} p. 199 |
also: Rita Mosquita (???) |
Busy Bee |
42-31893 |
B-17G-30-BO |
|
419 |
|
|
|
Carol Jean |
unk |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Carol Jean III |
41-24404 |
B-17F-5-BO |
|
352 |
X |
{W} p. 196 |
|
Carol Jean IV |
42-5137 |
B-17F-35-BO |
|
32 |
|
|
also: LEADFOOT |
Cest-Si-Don |
|
|
|
|
|
{R}40 p.23 list |
|
Clancys Crew |
44-6756 |
B-17G-65-DL |
|
|
|
|
|
CLUB DALLAS |
|
|
|
|
X |
{W} p. 197 |
{R}40 p.23 list |
COTTON EYE JOE |
|
|
|
|
|
{R}40 p.23 list |
|
DAMFINO! |
|
|
|
|
X |
{W} p. 195 |
{R}40 p.23 list |
Dark Eyes |
41-24405 |
B-17F-5-BO |
|
353 |
|
|
|
De-De |
42-97705 |
B-17G-25-VE |
|
32 |
|
|
or: DEDE (?) |
DEVILS FROM HELL |
41-24371 |
B-17F-1-BO |
|
353 |
X |
{W} p. 199 |
|
Dickie Doodle |
unk |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dickie Doodle I |
|
|
|
352 |
|
{R}40 p.23 list |
|
Dickie Doodle II |
41-24422 |
B-17F-5-BO |
|
352 |
X |
{W} p. 198,199 |
|
DIRTY GIRTIE |
42-5143 |
B-17F-35-BO |
99 |
352 |
|
|
|
Dixie Doodle |
unk |
|
|
|
|
|
|
DOC STORK |
41-24347 |
B-17F-1-BO |
|
352 |
|
|
also just "Stork" (???) |
DOTTIE MAE |
|
|
|
352 |
X |
|
|
Dreamboat |
41-9112 |
B-17E |
|
419 |
|
|
|
DUMBO |
41-24350 |
B-17F-1-BO |
|
32 |
X |
{PS} p.19 |
|
Eager Beaver |
41-24393 |
B-17F-5-BO |
|
419 |
|
|
|
Eight Ball |
41-24396 |
B-17F-5-BO |
99 |
419 |
|
{PS} p.23 |
later: RELUCTANT GREMLIN |
Elaine |
42-5727 |
B-17F-10-VE |
|
419 |
X |
{W} p. 49,172 |
|
Ernt Mernt |
42-5473 |
B-17F-50-BO |
|
353 |
X |
{W} p. 194, 196 |
|
FIGHTIN' IRISH JUNE HAVER |
44-6748 |
B-17G-60-DL |
|
|
X |
{W} p. 195, 198 |
|
FUBAR |
|
|
|
|
|
{R}40 p.23 list |
|
GARBAGE CANNIE |
44-8390 |
B-17G-60-VE |
|
353 |
|
|
|
Georgia Peach |
42-3391 |
B-17F-50-DL |
|
32 |
X |
|
|
GEZECKIS HEAD |
|
|
|
|
|
{R}40 p.23 list |
|
Heine Headhunters |
41-24351 |
B-17F-1-BO |
99, 483 |
352 |
X |
{W} p. 195; {FFU} p.7 |
also: "Tail End Charlie" {PS} p.20 |
HELL |
|
|
|
|
|
{R}40 p.23 list |
|
HELL'S BATTLEWAGON |
41-24372 |
B-17F-1-BO |
|
352 |
X |
{W} p. 197 {PS} p. 22 |
|
Hockamolock Jock IV BB |
41-24394 |
B-17F-5-BO |
|
353 |
|
|
|
HOLEY JOE |
41-24352 |
B-17F-1-BO |
|
352 |
|
|
|
hot Cock |
42-5836 |
B-17F-25-VE |
2 |
32 |
X |
{W} p. 195, 197 |
|
HUN-PECKER |
42-5131 |
B-17F-35-BO |
|
32 |
X |
{W} p.196;{R}48 p.4 |
|
I DO DIT |
41-24395 |
B-17F-5-BO |
|
419 |
X |
{W} p. 282 {PS} p. 23 |
|
Illini Queen |
42-31426 |
B-17G-15-BO |
|
352 |
|
|
|
INVICTUS |
|
B-17G |
|
419 |
X |
|
|
ITZABITCH |
41-24423 |
B-17F-5-BO |
483 |
353 |
|
|
|
Jack HALEY'S COMET |
44-6362 |
B-17G-50-DL |
483 |
|
X |
{W} p. 195; {FFU} p.44,48 |
{5W} had as 46263 |
Jenny Lou |
42-3077 |
B-17F-25-DL |
97, 483 |
419 |
X |
{97B} p.92 |
|
JOE |
|
|
|
|
|
{R}40 p.23 list |
|
JONNY BOY |
42-3382 |
B-17F-50-DL |
|
353 |
|
{W} p. 196 |
{R}40 p.23 list |
Josephine |
44-8107 |
B-17G-50-VE |
|
419 |
|
|
|
Juliet |
unk |
|
|
|
|
|
|
JUNIOR |
42-5179 |
B-17F-40-BO |
|
352 |
|
|
|
K.O. |
41-24366 |
B-17F-1-BO |
99 |
353 |
|
|
|
KANDIE |
44-6337 |
B-17G-45-DL |
|
352 |
|
{R}40 p. 5 |
|
LADIES DELIGHT |
42-30136 |
B-17F-90-BO |
|
353 |
|
|
|
Lady Luck II |
42-29507 |
B-17F-55-BO |
99, 483, 463 |
419 |
|
|
|
Laura |
42-3157 |
B-17F-30-DL |
|
|
|
|
|
LEADFOOT |
42-5137 |
B-17F-35-BO |
|
32 |
X |
{W} p.199; {R}48p.4 |
also: Carol Jean IV |
LIL' BUG |
43-38487 |
B-17G-90-BO |
|
352 |
|
|
|
Lil Jo |
41-24618 |
B-17F-27-BO |
|
352 |
X |
{W} p. 196; {FFU} p.34,46 |
{PS} p.39 |
Little Ellie |
|
|
|
352 |
|
|
|
Little Jan |
42-30108 |
B-17F-85-BO |
|
352 |
X |
|
|
Little Joe |
unk |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Little PAULA |
|
|
|
32 |
X |
{R}40 p.23 list |
|
LittlE RED HEAD |
42-30381 |
B-17F-100-BO |
97 |
419 |
X |
|
|
Luscious Lady |
42-5081 |
B-17F-35-BO |
|
419 |
|
|
|
Lydia Pinkham |
42-5409 |
B-17F-50-BO |
2 |
419 |
X |
{W} p. 196 |
|
Marishka |
42-38066 |
B-17G-25-DL |
2 |
32 |
|
|
|
MARY ROSE |
44-6441 |
B-17G-50-DL |
|
352 |
|
|
|
May-B Bay-B |
42-5870 |
B-17F-30-VE |
|
419 |
|
|
|
Mickey Finn |
41-24418 |
B-17F-5-BO |
|
352 |
X |
{W} p. 194 |
later: SPECIAL DELIVERY II |
Mickey Joy |
42-30443 |
B-17F-105-BO |
|
352 |
|
|
|
Misbehavior |
|
B-17 |
|
419 |
|
|
|
Miss BeHaven |
44-6407 |
B-17G-50-DL |
|
|
X |
{FFU} p.44,48; {MFP} p.60 |
{R}40 =p.5 |
MISS CARRIAGE |
42-31628 |
B-17G-20-BO |
|
353 |
|
|
|
Miss Margaret |
|
|
|
352 |
|
|
|
MISS ME |
42-5068 |
B-17F-30-BO |
99, 483 |
353 |
|
|
|
Miss Ponnie |
42-30347 |
B-17F-100-BO |
|
419 |
|
|
|
miss TALLAHASSEE lassee |
42-97906 |
B-17G-35-VE |
|
32 |
X |
|
|
MOHAWK |
unk |
|
|
|
X |
{W} p. 198 |
{R}40 p.23 list |
Nelly's Belly |
|
B-17G |
|
419 |
|
|
|
No Sack Time |
unk |
|
|
|
|
|
|
NOBODY'S BABY |
42-3133 |
B-17F-25-DL |
|
353 |
|
|
|
Nosey |
42-5350 |
B-17F-50-BO |
|
|
X |
{W} p. 197; {FFU} p.36,46 |
also: Nosey |
NUTCRACKER I |
|
|
|
|
|
{R}40 p.23 list |
|
NUTCRACKER II |
42-29845 |
B-17F-75-BO |
2, 99, 483 |
419 |
X |
{FFU} p.102; G158 |
|
O Pissonya |
42-5951 |
B-17F-35-VE |
97 |
419 |
X |
{C} p.128; {97B} p.__+G21 |
or 353rd BS ? |
O'REILLY'S DAUGHTER |
42-5217 |
B-17F-40-BO |
|
352 |
|
|
|
PANDEMONIUM |
44-6384 |
B-17G-50-DL |
|
353 |
X |
{W} p. 195 |
|
PANIC WAGON |
|
|
|
|
|
{R}40 p.23 list |
|
Pegasus |
41-24348 |
B-17F-1-BO |
|
352 |
X |
{W} p. 194 |
|
Persuader |
|
|
|
|
X |
{W} p. 194 |
{R}40 p.23 list |
PHYLLIS |
41-24397 |
B-17F-5-BO |
|
352 |
X |
{W} p. 194 |
|
Phyllis II |
|
|
|
|
X |
{W} p. 195 |
{R}40 p.23 list |
PLAY BOY |
41-24409 |
B-17F-5-BO |
99 |
32 |
X |
{R}48 p.4 |
|
PLUTOCRAT(E) |
41-24408 |
B-17F-5-BO |
|
32 |
X |
{FFU} p.34,46 {R}48 p.4 |
{PS} p.26-27; {97B} p.__ |
Princess ORourke |
44-6347 |
B-17G-50-DL |
|
32 |
X |
{W} p. 195; {R}32 p.13 |
|
Queen Bee-17 |
41-24386 |
B-17F-1-BO |
|
353 |
X |
{PS} =p.32; {R}51 = p.4 |
|
RaggEd BUT RIGHT |
42-32100 |
B-17G-35-BO |
|
419 |
x |
{W} p. 194 |
{5W} has as Ragged But Ready |
Ready Teddy The Last of Itsabitchis |
42-5811 |
B-17F-25-VE |
2 |
|
|
|
|
READY TEDDY (?) |
42-5811 |
B-17F-25-VE |
|
353 |
|
|
Also said to be 419th (?) |
RELUCTANT GREMLIN |
41-24396 |
B-17F-5-BO |
|
419 |
|
{FFU} p.63; {R}31p.8 |
{R}30 p.4; earlier: Eight Ball |
RIGOR-MORTIS |
42-5233 |
B-17F-40-BO |
2, 99, 483 |
32 |
X |
{W} p. 197; {FFU} p.36,46 |
{R}48 p.4 |
Rita Mosquita |
42-30403 |
B-17F-100-BO |
2 |
|
|
|
also: BRITE EYES |
ROGER THE LODGER |
42-3026 |
B-17F-15-DL |
|
353 |
|
{FFU} p.54 |
|
ROUGH-NECK |
|
B-17F |
|
32 |
|
{R}48 p.4 |
|
Sacktime |
unk |
|
|
|
X |
{W} p. 199 |
{R}40 p.23 list |
Sad Sack |
42-29584 |
B-17F-60-BO |
|
419 |
|
|
|
SADIE HAWKINS |
42-2980 |
B-17F-10-DL |
99 |
352 |
|
{SHL} p. 38 |
|
Same Old Moon But Oh How It's Changed |
42-31608 |
B-17G-20-BO |
|
352 |
|
|
very colorful art, but name uncertain |
SANDMAN |
42-30333 |
B-17F-100-BO |
97 |
32 |
X |
|
|
Screaming Eagle II |
42-31391 |
B-17G-15-BO |
|
419 |
|
|
|
Shirley our Girlie |
42-30319 |
B-17F-95-BO |
|
419 |
|
|
|
Shoo-Shoo BABY |
|
|
|
32 |
X |
|
|
SiR! Biz |
|
|
|
352 |
|
|
|
Skinhead |
42-5350 |
B-17F-50-BO |
2, 99, 483 |
|
X |
{W} p. 197; {FFU} p.36,46 |
also: Skinhead |
SKIPPY |
42-3098 |
B-17F-25-DL |
2 |
353 |
|
|
|
Skylark |
|
|
|
|
X |
{W} p. 196 |
|
sleepy-time GAL |
42-97165 |
B-17G-40-BO |
|
32 |
X |
{FFU} p.42, 48 |
|
Slick CHICK |
42-3343 |
B-17F-50-DL |
|
32 |
X |
{FFU} p.35,46 |
|
SLOPPY PISS WILLY |
42-30106 |
B-17F-85-BO |
|
353 |
X |
{R}35 p.15 |
to: WILLY |
Smiling Elsie |
44-6364 |
B-17G-50-DL |
|
419 |
|
|
|
SPECIAL DELIVERY |
41-24369 |
B-17F-1-BO |
|
32 |
X |
{PS} p.21 |
|
SPECIAL DELIVERY-II |
41-24418 |
B-17F-5-BO |
|
32 |
X |
{W} p. 196; {R}42=p.13 |
with 352nd as : Mickey Finn |
St. Francis |
42-32104 |
B-17G-35-BO |
|
419 |
|
|
|
STARDUST |
42-3064 |
B-17F-20-DL |
|
353 |
|
|
|
STARDUST |
42-97685 |
B-17G-25-VE |
2 |
353 |
|
|
|
Stricktly Business |
|
B-17 |
|
419 |
|
{AFJ} p. 183 |
|
Sugar Report |
44-8186 |
B-17G-50-VE |
|
32 |
|
|
|
SUSIE-Q |
|
|
|
|
X |
{W} p. 199 |
{R}40 p.23 list |
Tail End Charlie |
41-24351 |
B-17F-1-BO |
99, 483 |
|
|
|
also: "Heine Headhunters " |
TENNESSEE SUNSHINE |
|
|
|
353 |
X |
{W} p. 194 |
{R}40 p.23 list |
The GOON |
41-24407 |
B-17F-5-BO |
|
32 |
X |
{W} p. 197; {FFU} p.33,46 |
{PS} p.24; {R}48 p.4 |
THE "HELL'S KITCHEN" |
41-24360 |
B-17F-1-BO |
|
419 |
X |
{W} p.46,199 |
|
THE BARRFLY |
42-31523 |
B-17G-20-BO |
|
419 |
X |
|
|
THE BAT 'OUTA' HELL. |
41-9154 |
B-17E |
|
419 |
X |
{VNA} p. |
|
the BIG PROMOTER |
|
|
|
|
X |
|
|
THE GREMLIN |
42-5145 |
B-17F-35-BO |
2 |
32 |
X |
{W} p. 197; {UHB} p. 33 |
|
The Lady Evelyn |
42-30344 |
B-17F-100-BO |
|
|
|
|
|
The MAVERICK |
41-24368 |
B-17F-1-BO |
|
352 |
|
{PS} p. 21 |
|
The Mighty Rabbit |
|
B-17F |
|
419 |
|
|
Now thought to be B-17F-100-BO, 42-30419 |
The Reluctant Dragon |
42-5346 |
B-17F-45-BO |
301, 97,99, 483 |
|
X |
|
|
THE SHERIFF |
|
|
|
|
|
{R}40 p.23 list |
|
The Sky Hag |
42-30424 |
B-17F-100-BO |
|
419 |
|
|
|
The Virgin |
42-5831 |
B-17F-25-VE |
|
|
|
|
|
The Virginia Gentleman |
unk |
|
|
|
X |
{W} p. 195 |
{R}40 p.23 list |
THE WOLF |
|
|
|
352 |
X |
|
{5W} said 32nd BS |
Touchy Goose |
42-30428 |
B-17F-100-BO |
2 |
32 |
|
|
|
TURO BIRD |
|
|
|
|
|
{R}40 p.23 list |
|
Vagabond |
42-30465 |
B-17F-105-BO |
2 |
419 |
|
|
|
VENUS RAMEY |
43-38492 |
B-17G-90-BO |
|
353 |
X |
{W} p. 171 |
|
WABASH CANNON BALL |
41-24361 |
B-17F-1-BO |
2, 99, 483 |
32 |
X |
{W} p. 197; {FFU} p.50 |
{PS} p. 20; {R}48 p. 4 |
Wabash Cannon Ball II |
|
|
|
32 |
|
|
|
Whizzer |
42-5419 |
B-17F-50-BO |
|
|
X |
{W} p. 196, 199 {N} p.64 |
{N} page 64 |
WHO FEARS |
|
|
|
|
|
{R}40 p.23 list |
|
WILD GOOSE |
|
|
|
|
|
{R}40 p.23 list |
|
WILLY |
42-30106 |
B-17F-85-BO |
|
353 |
X |
{R}35 p.15 |
was: SLOPPY PISS WILLY |
Wolf Shack |
42-32105 |
B-17G-35-BO |
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419 |
X |
|
|
Yankee Doodle |
42-30125 |
B-17F-85-BO |
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419 |
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|
{5W} has as unknown serial |
Legend:
{W} |
Who Fears?" The 301st In War and Peace 1942-1979 by Kenneth P. Werrell |
{H} |
History of the 419th Bomb Squadron (H) 1942-1945
by Joe C. Baxley, Jr., |
{TFS} |
THE FIFTEENTH AIR FORCE STORY, © 1986 by The 15th AF Association |
{TWF} |
THOSE WHO FALL By John Muirhead. |
{50A} |
50th ANNIVERSARY BOEING B-17 Flying Fortress 1935-
by Peter M. Bowers |
{5W} |
5th Wing History of Aircraft Assigned by Richard E. Drain |
{MAS} |
AIR & SPACE Smithsonian August/September 2001 (Volume 16 Number 3) THE REUNION by John Fleischman. |
{MAC} |
AIR CLASSICS November and December 2001 issues (Vol. 37, No.s 11 & 12) WAIST GUNNER by Dave John. |
{AFJ} |
AMERICAN FLIGHT JACKETS by Jon A. Maguire & John P. Conway |
{IRI} |
As I Remember It: An Informal History of a B-17 Pilot
by A. G. (Jack) Cline. |
{FF} |
B-17 FLYING FORTRESS by H.P. Willmott |
{BF} |
B-17 FLYING FORTRESS The Symbol of Second
by Frederick A. Johnsen |
{FFU} |
B-17 FLYING FORTRESS UNITS OF THE MTO by William N. Hess |
{N} |
B-17 NOSE ART NAME DIRECTORY by Wallace R. Forman |
{C} |
Claims to Fame-The B-17 Flying Fortress by Steve Birdsall & Roger A. Freeman |
{CM} |
FIFTEENTH AIR FORCE COMBAT MARKINGS 1943-1945 by E.A. Munday |
{KR} |
FIFTEENTH AIR FORCE STORY by Kenn C. Rust |
{MFP} |
FlyPast March 2004 (No. 272) Ghost FORTRESS by Szymon Serwatka. |
{FFU} |
FORTRESS FIGHTERS by William F. Somers |
{GAB} |
GREAT AMERICAN BOMBERS of WW II B-17 Flying Fortress by Wlliam N. Hess |
{HBC} |
HOME BY CHRISTMAS? by Martin W. Bowman |
{AOG} |
In and Above the Olive Groves: The Personal
by James M. McGarry |
{PS} |
Pride of Seattle-The Story of the First 300 B-17Fs by Steve Birdsall, |
{SHL} |
Soaring High and Enjoying Life-Memoirs of an ,,, by Fred N. Stahl |
{F} |
THE B-17 FLYING FORTRESS STORY by Roger A. Freeman |
{97B} |
THE HOUR HAS COME THE 97th BOMBARDMENT GROUP |
{R} |
The Raven |
{TSC} |
The Shadow Casters by Arthur B. Unruh |
{UHB} |
USAAF HEAVY BOMBER UNITS ETO & MTO 1942-45 by Jerry Scutts |
{VNA} |
Vintage Aircraft Nose Art by Gary Valant |
{WBY} |
WILD BLUE YONDER An Adventure of Hitlers Hostages by Leslie J. Tyler |
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