Best P-51 Mustang Nose Art of World War II

Few aircraft from World War II captured imaginations like the North American P-51 Mustang. Fast, powerful, and elegant in flight, it also served as a blank canvas for some of the most memorable and creative nose art of the war.

Here are five of the most fascinating and iconic P-51 nose art examples from WWII:

1. Donald Duck

One of the most recognizable P-51s of the war, this aircraft was flown by Captain Donald Emerson of the 4th Fighter Group. It featured an oversized image of Donald Duck—a nod to both Emerson’s name and the Disney character. Disney, in fact, provided much of its artwork free of charge to U.S. units during the war.

Emerson flew over 89 combat missions, scoring seven kills in the summer and fall of 1944. His Mustang’s bold cartoon art was not just entertaining—it was legendary among bomber crews and fellow fighter pilots alike.

2. Pettie 2nd

Painted in the iconic blue-nose style of the 352nd Fighter Group, Petie 2nd was the mount of Lt. Col. John Meyer, who would eventually become a jet ace in Korea.

What made this Mustang stand out was its combination of a sharp, personalized name, distinctive art just below the cockpit, and a growing tally of German crosses—each one representing an aerial kill. A true thoroughbred of the skies, flown by a master of the craft.

3. Hoo Flung Dung

This P-51 may not have had flashy artwork, but its name alone made it unforgettable. Flown by McWarter of the 9th Air Force, it sported six kill markings—three Japanese and three German. That rare mix suggests McWarter served in both the Pacific and European Theaters, a distinction few pilots could claim.

The Pacific-influenced nose name likely carried over from his earlier tour, adding an unusual and culturally unique touch to his Mustang.

4. Big Beautiful Doll

Perhaps the most photographed P-51 of all time, Big Beautiful Doll didn’t feature traditional nose art, but its checkerboard cowling, elegant script, and line of swastika kill marks made it unmistakable.

Commanded by Jack Landers of the 78th Fighter Group, this plane combined style and performance. Landers achieved at least two aerial kills in Europe and many more on the ground, making this Mustang as lethal as it was beautiful.

5. Shangri-La

Named after the mythical paradise, Shangri-La was flown by Don Gentile of the 4th Fighter Group. Gentile became one of the most celebrated American pilots of the war, scoring 19 aerial victories, many of them while flying this aircraft.

Painted with a sleek scroll and clean design, Shangri-La was a true symbol of Allied air power during the crucial early months of 1944, when dogfights with the Luftwaffe were still fierce and unforgiving.