Since the early days of flight, military pilots have personalized aircraft with artistic creations, giving each plane a unique identity and aircrews a sense of pride in "their war bird." This comprehensive volume covers the technical aspect on how nose art was applied to vintage military aircraft, with hundreds of fighters and bombers pictured. The uses of materials, supplies, and development of nose art designs are discussed with surviving nose artists. The author examines and analyzes WWII¿era black-and-white photographs and reveals their color content along with numerous photos never-before-published. Recreating step-by-step actual flying war bird nose art restorations is outlined for the first time. Fighting Colors is a graphic tool for all enthusiasts of pinup and vintage aircraft nose art. For artists, this book will outline what the masters knew when the age of sign painting, along with a little bit of imagination and brushes, was a common trade. For veterans and their families, Fighting Colors will serve as a source of reflection and inspiration for years to come.