The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force is proud to announce the acquisition of a rare and historically significant collection of artwork by Corporal Anthony “Tony” Starcer, the celebrated World War II nose artist of the 91st Bomb Group. Starcer brought life and identity to nearly 130 B-17 Flying Fortresses with his imaginative and morale-boosting nose art—now considered one of the most iconic visual legacies of the U.S. Army Air Forces.
Among the aircraft that bore his signature work were Nine O’ Nine, Shoo Shoo Baby, Sleepy Time Gal, Outhouse Mouse, and the legendary Chowhound. Starcer’s contributions were not only artistic but deeply personal—capturing the humor, bravery, and camaraderie of the men who flew these aircraft into combat over Europe. The newly acquired Tony Starcer Collection includes 13 original oil-on-canvas paintings recreating his most memorable nose art designs. Completed just before his passing in 1986, these vivid canvases serve as a lasting tribute to the colorful stories and spirit of the wartime air crews.
Also included in the collection are 13 pencil portraits of prominent Allied military and political leaders, drawn by Starcer on WWII-era V-Mail stationery while stationed in Bassingbourn, England. These finely detailed sketches depict figures such as Winston Churchill, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Bernard Montgomery, George C. Marshall, and Joseph Stalin, and provide a uniquely personal wartime perspective through the eyes of an airman and artist.
“When I began looking for a home for my dad’s collection,” said Jerry Starcer, son of the artist, “I asked in various Facebook groups where people thought it should go. There were several suggestions, but one name kept coming up again and again—the Mighty Eighth in Savannah, GA. The oil paintings are now nearly 40 years old, and the V-mails are over 80. Some of the last words my dad said to me were that he wanted his name to be remembered. I’m so grateful to the Mighty Eighth Museum for helping keep his legacy alive.”
The museum also acknowledges the support of the 91st Bomb Group Memorial Association in helping secure the collection. “We wanted as much of the collection to remain together as possible,” said board member Mick Hanou. “This collection is a truly extraordinary addition to our museum,” added Tiffany Bueno, Research & Collections Manager at the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force. “Tony Starcer’s work not only reflects the artistic flair of the era but also offers a deeply human connection to the people and planes that shaped the air war over Europe.” Now preserved as part of the museum’s permanent collection, the Tony Starcer Collection will allow visitors to connect with the art, history, and stories of the Mighty Eighth—ensuring that the legacy of the men who served, and the artist who painted their planes, will live on for generations to come. The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force is located at 175 Bourne Avenue, Pooler, GA. Operating hours are Tue-Sat 10 am – 5 pm, Sun, Noon – 5 pm. For more information, call (912) 748-8888 or www.mightyeighth.org.
