Faded Beauty
Digital
16/08/2004
Another image based on my ‘nose art’ Classy Chassy series.
This is not an accurate depiction of the B-17 'Heavenly Body' just my own illustration, although the name 'Willis V. Dawkins' is based on the actual person, Master Sgt. Willis Vern Dawkins (Crew Chief Mechanic) of B-17 ‘Heavenly Body’ serial no. 43-37628 – 401 Bomb Group – 612th Bomb Squadron stationed at Deenethorpe, England in WWII.
I recently came across his name on the web & wrote to his daughter asking permission to use his name as an additional tribute in remembrance for all the ground crews who served throughout the war years.
Unfortunately at completion of the image I never did receive a reply from his daughter Jean, but I decided to use the name nevertheless.
In November 2006 I was pleasantly surprised to receive an email through my website from a Michael Dawkins – the grandson of ‘Willis V. Dawkins’; Michael wrote me the following:
“ Willis Vern Dawkins was my grandfather and one of my best friends in the world! Seeing his name on this artwork makes me feel great. I am glad you used it and I am curious as to how I could get a copy for my own use. Did you send one to Jean? (My aunt, his daughter) I know this sounds like a weird request, but I have been on a quest to find anything that has to do with the Heavenly Body since I found out that it was the plane he serviced. Thank you for your time and I hope to hear from you soon!
Michael W. Dawkins”.
Since then I have corresponded with Michael and sent the artwork to both Michael, and Jean (The daughter of Willis V. Dawkins,) as well as to Traci his granddaughter.