In this sketchbook, there is one page from mid May that mentions 48846 with the fuselage marking XK-M and which states "from triangle-J". These markings are, of course, those of the Pink Lady, as she bore them during the war, and at the time when she was exchanged for a less fully-equipped B-17. Following this exchange, the Pink Lady had her fuselage codes repainted from the 511th squadron letters (DS-M) to those of the 365th squadron (XK-M).

But what has caused some debate is what comes along with these markings. For the young man also wrote:

Touched "half pint" Chelveston plane. silver stripped.


These comments and observations surround the drawing of a red-headed woman in a green swimsuit superimposed over a 500lb bomb. Next to the pin-up is the name "half pint". Here is a copy of this page:

half pint 4

Two photographs, taken at Chelveston station 105 - 305th BG, show that there was indeed an unpainted B-17G with its nose turret newly removed and sporting this artwork. In the photo, you can also see crew members that would fly the aircraft for the beginning of the Casey Jones photomapping project in May 1945.

half pint 1

half pint 2

Based on this, it is believed by some that this nose art was on 48846 during her missions at the 511th Sqn - 351st BG, and that she arrived at Chelveston after war still carrying same artwork.

Questions remain


Not everyone agrees, however that 48846 did indeed have "half-pint" nose art. Indeed, Micheal Bezier (head of Fortresse Tojours Volante) and Jean-Paul Andre are not convinced, and have asked for further evidence.

Also, Norman Trapp does not remember that the plane had any art work on its nose when he flew her in the role of Pathfinder in April 14th, 1945 for the Royan mission.

Some final questions remain: who painted the artwork, when, and where? There is no evidence that this drawing was ever put on the plane while at Polebrook.

I will not draw any conclusion as to whether or not 48846 was once known as "Half Pint", but I will help keep the debate going by presenting the evidence of both opinions.