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WW2, Aviation Art, P-51 Mustang, Aviation Artist, WW2 History, WW2 fighter airplanes, Combat, combat pilots, World War Two fighters, World War Two Aircraft, History, Aviation History, aviation art, Focke Wulf 190, Ace, Ace fighter pilot, Ace fighters, ace, aces, WW2 aces
The Mail Art of Sgt. James Hester
James Hester was a Norden bomb-sight technician with the 602nd Bomber Squadron, 398th Bomber Group based in England in WW2.
His daughter contacted me stating, “My dad drew airplanes like you. Would you like to see his artwork?” Not knowing what to expect, the question raised my interest nonetheless. A few days later, she showed up at my office and presented a tired leather portfolio that contained nearly 100 wonderful amateur sketches that clearly show a practiced talent.
Obviously an airplane nut, James Hester was also a clever artist and graphic designer. Many of the drawings are inspired by popular magazines and official Air Corps photography, but the very best ones are those that originated in Hester’s creative brain.
Each one was carefully scanned and I’ll post a new one here periodically. But suffice it to say, I hope that you too enjoy these unique letters from a time long past.
CLICK THE STAMP AT RIGHT TO SEE “Kingfisher”, Fall 1944.
Envelope art reproduced with permission of the James Hester estate. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited.
