The "Memphis Belle" and Nose Art

The “Memphis Belle”

The Memphis Belle was named to honor Morgan’s fiancée Margaret Polk, of Memphis, Tennessee, whom he met before leaving for England. Their love story was well-publicized, but their engagement ended during the war bond tour.

Morgan flew on combat missions with a picture of Margaret Polk in the cockpit.

Memphis Belle Artwork

The famous Memphis Belle nose art is a representation of the George Petty “pin-up” illustration in the April 1941 edition of Esquire magazine. Originally painted in the US, the Memphis Belle’s nose art was touched up and later repainted by Cpl Tony Starcer at Bassingbourn, England. Starcer became well-known for his artistic talent, and he painted nose art on several 91^st Bomb Group aircraft and aircrew flight jackets.

Memphis Belle's nose art before numerous publicity markings were added. This is how the Memphis Belle is displayed now.

Several weeks after the 25^th mission, additional markings were added to the Memphis Belle, including eight swastikas under the row of bombs on the nose.

April 1941 issue of Esquire magazine, which contained inspiration for the Memphis Belle’s nose art.

Original foldout page with George Petty’s artwork.

Tony Starcer painted these emblems of the 91^st Bomb Group and its squadrons.

Note: The lettering adhered to these artifacts, which was present when they came to the Museum, is unstable--some of the letters have fallen off.