The small, tightknit island community of Martha's Vineyard was
irrevocably transformed by World War II. From rationing and blackouts to
a military presence in Chilmark, the war was brought home to the
residents of the island. In the air, pilots flew training missions from
the Martha's Vineyard Naval Auxiliary Air Facility. At sea, ferryboats
served as hospital ships in the D-Day invasion, while enemy submarines
lurked offshore. Mock invasions were undertaken by military forces from
across Vineyard Sound, and remote sites were used for training missions
and bombing practice. Residents participated in the war effort by buying
war bonds, supporting USO activities and conducting air raid drills.
Remnants and reminiscences of this illustrious past can still be found
today. Join authors Thomas Dresser, Herb Foster and Jay Schofield as
they revive the story of this resilient island during World War II.