History of the shark nose image!

The 1st American Volunteer Group (AVG) of the Chinese Air Force in 1941–1942, nicknamed the Flying Tigers, was composed of pilots from the United States Army Air Corps (USAAC), Navy (USN), and Marine Corps (USMC), recruited under presidential authority and commanded by Claire Lee Chennault. The shark-faced nose art of the Flying Tigers remains among the most recognisable image of any individual combat aircraft or combat unit of World War II.

Flying

Above: Flying Tigers personnel

P40 War hawk painted with Flying Tigers shark face

Above: P40 War hawk painted with Flying Tigers shark face

3rd Squadron Hell's Angels, Flying Tigers over China, photographed in 1942

Above: 3rd Squadron Hell's Angels, Flying Tigers over China, photographed in 1942

Even the Germans liked the Shark Mouth!

Above: Even the Germans liked the Shark Mouth!