B-25 WWII Nose Art | a 7 Image Story

B-25 WWII Nose Art | a 7 Image Story  The most popular WWII planes for nose art were the bombers since they had more space around the nose to paint. This post focuses at the B-25 Mitchell.  More planes with nose art are posted in my portfolios.  For additional B-25 nose art see More B-25 WWII Nose Art | a 7 Image Story.  For history and information on nose art, see WWII Nose Art | a 7 Image Story.

B-25 Tondelayo   This B-25 Mitchell “Tondelayo” still soars through the skies.  The B-25 was deployed to every theater of operations in WWII as a bomber and a ground attack aircraft.   After WWII, the B-25 was used as a transport and a fire-bomber.  Today “Tondelayo” is operated by Collings Foundation.

B-25 Briefing Time   This B-25J Mitchell was donated to Mid-Atlantic Air Museum, who restored it as ‘Briefing Time’.  As one of the most completely restored B-25J bombers, the restoration included a Norden bombsight, original radios, and armor plating.  It served in the Italian campaign as part of the 489th Bomb Squadron, 57th Bomb Wing, 340th Bomb Group, 12th Air Force.  Today “Briefing Time” is still operated by Mid-Atlantic Air Museum.

B-25 Maid in the Shade  Built in early 1944, “Maid in the Shade” is a B-25J Mitchell bomber.  Based in Serraggia Airbase on Corsica, it flew 15 combat missions.  Today “Maid in the Shade” is operated by The Commemorative Air Force Airbase Arizona.

B-25 Take-off Time   This B-25J, now flying as “Take-off Time”, entered service in early 1945.  It flew in a variety of stateside military roles until sold for civilian use in 1958.  Then, it was used for a variety of civilian tasks, restored, and played in several movies roles.  Today “Take-off Time” is owned and operated by Claire Aviation.

B-25 Show Me!   This B-25J, now flying as “Show Me!”, entered service in early 1945 and served as a trainer until put into storage.  Eventually, it was sold to a private party.  After sustaining some ground damage and repaired, it found its way to the Missouri Wing of the Commemorative Air Force in 1982 and renamed “Show Me!”.  Today “Show Me!” is still owned and operated by The Commemorative Air Force. 

B-25 Champaign Gal   This B-25J, now flying as “Champaign Gal”, entered service in the summer of 1945 and served as a trainer, utility transport, and ferry aircraft until put into storage.  Eventually, it was sold and used by several air services including an air tanker service.  Finally in 2006, it found its way to the Champaign Aviation Museum and renamed “Champaign Gal”.  Today “Champaign Gal” is still owned and operated by the Champaign Aviation Museum.

B-25 Miss Mitchell   During WWII, the B-25J “Miss Mitchell” completed more than 130 combat missions over North Africa and Italy without any crew fatalities.  After a 12 year restoration by the Minnesota Wing of the Commemorative Air Force, “Miss Mitchell” continues to fly.

Each image will be posted individually this week with a bit more narrative under category B-25 WWII Nose Art.

Click any image below for a slide show.