The Don Englebreston Collection

Douglas A-1 Skyraider, Tail Number 618, with Nose Art and Ground Crewman, Vietnam War Era

Douglas A-1 Skyraider, Tail Number 618, with Nose Art and Ground Crewman, Vietnam War Era

Personalized nose art, such as the partially visible lettering on this A-1 Skyraider, was a common tradition among aircrews during the Vietnam War, offering a small measure of individuality to otherwise standardized combat aircraft. Ground crews, seen here preparing the aircraft for taxi, worked in close coordination with pilots to ensure safe and timely departures. Project: 219086