There’s not much more we could say about the Curtiss P-40 Warhawk that we haven’t said here before — it’s one of the favorite aviation tattoo themes out there today. As can be evidenced by our growing collection, the P-40 is a true tattoo symbol.
Perhaps one of the reasons why the P-40 is so popular is it’s connection to the American Volunteer Group (AVG) or the “Flying Tigers”. The AVG was a covertly created group of American pilots and aircraft that fought in the defense of China from the Japanese Imperial threat. When the AVG was formed in 1940, the United States was clearly not at war, so the pilots and aircraft were acquired under private means - though much of the funding came through U.S. Government loans. President Franklin D. Roosevelt even approved the creation of the group… though clearly away from the public spotlight.
So as a result, these “mercenaries” of sorts were some of the first “front line” fighters from the U.S. engaged in World War II. Their renegade spirit persisted through the American entry into the war and even after they eventually were incorporated into the 14th Air Force as the 23rd Fighter Group as of July 4, 1942.
The intricate black and gray chestpiece featuring Curtiss P-40 Warhawks of the American Volunteer Group was created by tattoo artist Mike “Bisquette” Bewley of Otherside Ink in Port Charlotte, FL.
It should also be noted that the wearer is tattoo artist Lynn McNew of Almighty Tattoos in Belleville, IL - a fan of WWII aviation!
Please click on the image above or the link below for two larger images.
Click the above image for the full-size photo.
Join the Tattoos In Flight Army! - If you have or find any aviation-themed tattoos on the web, send the photo to us along with the name of the artist, studio, location, and a website! Send them along to tattoosinflight@gmail.com, or use the “submit” tool at the right.
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