Martha's Vineyard in World War II

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.

Thomas Dresser lives in Oak Bluffs and has worked with the African American Heritage Trail group for several years, giving tours to sites on the trail. Dresser has written pieces published in the Martha's Vineyard Times, Vineyard Gazette, Martha's Vineyard Magazine, Vineyard Style and Cape Cod Life. He is also a member of the Martha's Vineyard Museum. This is Tom's sixth book with The History Press. Visit tomdresser.com for more information. Herb Foster is a World War II veteran and retired college professor. He is the author of Ribbin', Jivin', and Playin' the Dozens: The Persistent Dilemma in Our Schools." He is also a Trustee of the Edgartown Library. Jay Schofield was a marine reserve and is a retired high school teacher. He is the author of "Beach Detecting In Surf & Sand: 270 Tips to Improve Your metal Detecting Along the Treasure Line and Pearls of Patriotism." Visit jayschofield.com for more information. Curator of oral history at Martha's Vineyard Museum, Linsey is the author of "Vineyard Voices: Words, Faces and Voices of Island People" (1998), "More Vineyard Voices" (2006), "Those Who Serve: Martha's Vineyard and World War II" (2011) and "Edible Wild Plants of Martha's Vineyard" (1976)."