B-24 The Dragon and His Tail Graphics Set

One of the most famous B24Js ever built was Consolidated B-24J, 44-40973 Nicknamed “The Dragon And His Tail” with elaborate nose art of a dragon holding a nude woman. This aircraft was assigned to the 5th Air Force, 43rd Bombardment Group, 64th Bombardment Squadron. Her nose art was conceived by artist Sarkis E. Bartigian. This B24 survived the war, and was flown to Kingman Army Air Base, Arizona, where it was scrapped. However, the story doesn't end there.  There were numerous attempts to save the plane because of her artwork, but unfortunately she was one of the last planes at Kingman to be scrapped. In 1998, The Collings Foundation (owner of the last flying B24J) painted it identical to The Dragon and His Tail. In 2005 the nose art was removed because it was too bold for some spectators. Photo by George Baker