01/03/2026
Did Tony Starcer Really Paint the iconic pinup on the Memphis Belle?
Well....the answer might surprise you.
We know that the Memphis Belle left CONUS on or around 25 September 1942 from Dow Field in Maine. From the separation record, we see that Tony Starcer was inducted in June 1942 out of Los Angeles. Tony would be deep into recruit training when the Belle made for England. The souvenir booklet of the 861st Bombardier Training Squadron stationed at San Angelo Army Air Field in San Angelo, Texas - graduating at 21 April 1943. Tony wouldn't leave CONUS for the UK until 30 June 1943, nearly a month after the Memphis Belle made its return trip back to CONUS for the war bond tour.
This isn't a personal attack on Tony, he still painted over 100 planes....its just history. He still made history.
