Some pilots chose symbols rather than letters to identify their planes. Jim McConnell (left) chose to celebrate his reign as “King of the Hotfoot Society” at the University of Virginia by painting the hotfoot insignia on his plane. Note that one of the two unidentified mechanics next to Jim is holding a can of paint and a paintbrush. This is obviously a new work of art. Capt. Thénault described this insignia as “cabalistic.” (Photo courtesy of the University of Virginia archives.)