Here's a better pic of the La-5.
This attractive aircraft is a fairly rare example of Soviet nose art. The small red stars on the fuselage are 'kill marks', the Soviets refusing to adorn their aircraft with enemy insignia. The Red Banner and wreath insignia indicated a 'Guards' unit...which was a unit that had fulfilled special training to be granted 'Guards' status. The small 'medal' motif on the tail fin indicates that the pilot, in this case GD Kostylev (46 kills) had been awarded the coveted 'Hero of the Soviet Union' medal...which I think was the highest available award to Soviet service personnel. It was not unknown for recipients to be awarded the HSU twice.
La-5 Art.jpg
I LOVE this aircraft and when a decent La-5 comes out in 1/48, I will build
this plane.