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This image reflects the unique nose art of one of the B-24’s
in the Zodiac Squadron. The original nose art was painted by
Phil S. Brinkman while he was assigned to the Army Air Force
Station 174 in Sudbury, England. Brinkman joined the Army Air
Corps in the summer of 1942. He was assigned to Special Services,
when he entered the army, since he was an accomplished commercial
artist at the time. Shortly after he arrived at Davis-Monthan
Airbase in Tucson, Arizona, he completed a large mural which
attracted attention and was seen by the commander of the 834th
Bomb Squadron, Captain “Jip” Howell, who set up a transfer
to bring Brinkman into the 834th. The idea of adorning the B-24’s
of Capt. Howell’s with unique nose art resulted in the famous
“Zodiac Bombers” including “Leo.” In the
spring of 1944, the 486th Bomb Group, comprised of the 832nd,
833rd, 834th and the 835th Bomb Squadrons was sent to England. |