POOLER, GA., July 3, 2025 –The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force is proud to announce the recent acquisition of a remarkable collection of artwork by Corporal Anthony “Tony” Starcer, an artist renowned for his nose art during World War II. Starcer served with the 91st Bomb Group, where he brought character and spirit to the B-17 Flying Fortresses that flew across the skies of Europe.
During his service, Starcer painted nose art on nearly 130 B-17 bombers. His work became a defining feature of the 91st Bomb Group and remains one of the most recognizable artistic legacies of the U.S. Army Air Forces in WWII. Notable aircraft that bore Starcer’s designs include Nine O’ Nine, Shoo Shoo Baby, Sleepy Time Gal, Outhouse Mouse, and the legendary Chowhound.
The newly acquired Tony Starcer Collection includes 13 original oil-on-canvas paintings that capture the vibrant and iconic nose art he created for these aircraft. Each painting is a vivid reminder of the personal stories, humor, and camaraderie that defined the wartime experience of airmen.
In addition to his work on aircraft, Starcer was a gifted portrait artist. The collection also features 13 pencil portraits of prominent Allied military and political leaders, drawn on original WWII-era V-Mail stationery. These detailed and expressive sketches include figures such as Prime Minister Winston Churchill, General Dwight D. Eisenhower, General Bernard Montgomery, General George C. Marshall, and Soviet Premier Joseph Stalin.
“When I started this journey to find a home for my dad’s collection, I asked the question on the different Facebook groups where everyone would like to see it land,” said Jerry Starcer, son of the artist. “There were many museums mentioned, but one name kept being suggested over and over… The Mighty Eighth in Savannah, GA. The one-of-a-kind canvases were done just before his passing in 1986, making them almost 40 years old. The V-mails were done in Bassingbourn, England and are over 80 years old! Some of the last words to me by my dad were to keep his name alive. I thank the Mighty Eighth Museum for helping me do that.”
“This collection is a truly extraordinary addition to our museum,” said 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.”
The museum also acknowledges and thanks the 91st Bomb Group Memorial Association for its efforts with acquisition of the Tony Starcer Collection. “The Association wanted as much of the collection to remain together,” stated Mick Hanou, an Association board member.
The Starcer Collection will be preserved as part of the museum’s permanent collection, offering future generations a unique lens through which to explore the history, art, and personal stories of the Mighty Eighth.