đź’Ą Attention Burma Banshees & 80th Fighter Group Fans!
For WWII aviation fans—and specifically followers of the legendary Burma Banshees (80th Fighter Group)—this book is an absolute treasure.
Before flying dangerous missions in the China-Burma-India (CBI) Theater, the 80th Pursuit Group was organized right here on Long Island at Mitchel Field and Farmingdale in 1942. Faces From Mitchel Field highlights key figures tied to that history, including:
- Lt. Phil Adair: Famous for his legendary heroism in the CBI Theater, Adair’s early history and personal photos connect deeply to the airfield’s legacy.
- Lt. Dick Nellis: The heroic “Forgotten Eagle” whose selfless story is remembered by aviation historians. In January 1943, while testing a P-47 Thunderbolt out of Mitchel Field, Nellis steered his flaming aircraft away from populated areas out over Jones Beach before bailing out—sacrificing his life to protect the community below.
đź“– What is Faces From Mitchel Field About?
This landmark book explores the rich 44-year history of Mitchel Field, the legendary airfield on Long Island, New York. Rather than just listing dates and statistics, the author brings the airfield to life through the eyes, experiences, and personal stories of 38 individuals who served there.
Profusely illustrated throughout, the book features hundreds of rare photographs—most pulled directly from the Cradle of Aviation Museum’s extensive archives, alongside fascinating selections from private and public sources.
🏛️ A Journey Through Five Eras
To capture the true scope of Mitchel Field’s legacy, the book is thoughtfully divided into five distinct sections, with a special, in-depth focus on the pivotal World War II years:
- 1908–1917: The early “Cradle of Aviation” pioneer era
- World War I: Early mobilization and training
- Between the Wars: Golden age exploits and aviation development
- World War II: The height of operation, defense, and wartime training (including the 80th Fighter Group’s early days)
- Post-War Era to 1961: The Cold War years leading up to the airfield’s eventual closure
Drawing directly from primary archival sources, official military and government records, and historical newspapers, this volume offers unprecedented accuracy and depth.
đź“Ś Book at a Glance
- Title: Faces From Mitchel Field: Portraits and Stories 1917–1961
- Subtitle: Forgotten Eagles (Beneath the Shadows of Wings)
- Format: Volume 1 (Richly illustrated non-fiction)
- Key Highlights: 38 personal stories (including Adair and Nellis), hundreds of archival photos from the Cradle of Aviation Museum, deep historical documentation.
🌟 Why This Matters for Our Community
Mitchel Field played a massive role in shaping both aviation history and the local fabric of Long Island. Works like this ensure that the sacrifices, triumphs, and daily lives of the men and women who passed through its gates are never forgotten.
It stands as a testament to what passion and painstaking research can accomplish—bringing “Forgotten Eagles” back into the light.
It’s available at Amazon here: