Behind the scenes with warbird nose art

The depiction of intricate designs, figures, and names painted on war machinery was an age-old tradition long before World War II fighters and bombers entered the fray. The Vikings adorned their warships with likenesses of dragons, chesty ladies, and clan crests. European knights decorated their swords and shields with similar designs, and not to be outdone, the Indians of the American West painted their ponies in preparation for battle. Col. Philip...