Faces From Mitchel Field by Paul Martin

Faces From Mitchel Field is a historical non-fiction book that explores the 44-year history of Mitchel Field, the historic airfield on Long Island, New York. A lifetime of research, ten years of writing and 2 1/2 years focused solely on this, the first volume. Profusely illustrated, most of the hundreds of photos come from the Cradle of Aviation Museum’s archives, along with a few additional public and private sources. The book provides a glimpse into life at Mitchel Field through the eyes and the stories of 38 individuals who served there. Five sections cover the “Cradle of Aviation” period from 1908-1917, World War I, Between the Wars, World War II, and the post-war era up until its closing in 1961 with a large focus on the World War II years. It draws from numerous newspapers, official military, and government documents, as well as many archival primary sources. The heritage and legacy of Mitchel Field is a compelling narrative that reached far beyond the local environs of the Hempstead Plains, Long Island and New York State. It linked Leonardo da Vinci’s 16th century visionary drawings of flying machines to the drama of 20th century aviation and influenced not only the history of scientific and aerial achievement, but the history of America and the world as well. Its story brings together many well-known aviation pioneers and some of the most iconic figures in American history, who started their careers and forged their future on the dusty fields and runways of Mitchel Field, and documents a compelling journey of the human spirit. Written by Paul Martin Paperback, 550 pages