color images and story found on http://outsidethecubicle.tumblr.com/post/54295778417/birdspotter-the-artist-who-made-these-series-of#notes
Black and whites from http://www.philbrinkman.com/phil-brinkman-nose-art-paintings.htm
The 834th Bomb Squadron was known as the Zodiac Squadron for the 12 B-24’s which had the signs of the zodiac painted on their noses. The original artwork was done by CPL Phil Brinkman. None of the Zodiacs were lost during the 49 missions the 486th Bomb Group flew before transitioning to the Fortresses.
The artist who made these series of nose art paintings got pretty well known for it. This is one of the rare occasions where the name of the artists is still remembered. Phil Brinkman was a professional illustrator at the time.
http://www.486th.org/BS834/Macgill.htm