Can a WWI aviation buff answer this question for me?

Question

Lately, I watched a movie called Flyboys. I must say that it was excellent, one of the best movies that I have seen in awhile. My question deals with the images that aviators painted on the side of their planes. What are they called? I have been searching the internet for some information or pictures of these images and have come up with nothing. Let's look at Lafayette Escadrille planes for example. I know that the planes had the roundel and the Indian head which was the symbol of the squadron and most planes had a number assigned. In the movie the lead charecter Rawlings painted the brand, a double R, from his family ranch on the side of his plane on top of all of these other images, sort of personalizing his plane. Was this something that was just made up for the movie or did aviators really do this and what was it called? Do you know of any websites that might have information on these personalization’s? Thanks to anyone with info.

Answer 1

It's called "Nose Art".  If you google it, you will find many sites dedicated to examples.

In those days crews flew the same aircraft and developed a deep affinity for it.  Not only based on familiarity but in that it would get them home.  The nose art generally reflected a sentiment of the crew but sometimes would be an image the pilot related to like Chuck Yaegers, Glamorous Glennis, Glennis being his wife.  He used the same name for all his planes dating back to WW2.

Answer 2

well you are up there in the air with casor oil from the engine spraying in your face and some of it is getting in your mouth and you have a constant case of diareaha,,so you dont get much sleep and you are very tired and everybody is around you and you have no phone so if you see a familiar emblem on a plane going in front of you ,,,,you may not accidentally shoot  it  down. THats why they painted them on.

Answer 3

In WW1, aviators were allowed to personalize their aircraft.  Though the Germans were MUCH more flexible about personal markings and colors than the Allies.  This tradition hit its high point in WW2, though.  "Nose Art" was a way to make the plane a part of the crew, rather than just a piece of equipment.

AFA the US was concerned, this also occurred in Korea, Vietnam Gulf War 1.  Not so much Gulf War 2.