Emirau Island PP and "Lucky Lindy" Charles Lindbergh
Emirau Island PP
Emirau Island was occupied by US military during WW II. It was used as an airbase. The airfield's remains are still visible. Emirau's other claim to fame was Charles Lindbergh's contributions to the war effort while flying combat missions from the island. Working as a civilian pilot, he flew a number of combat missions with military pilots against Japanese targets within a 6 to 9 hour flight range of the island. Lindbergh's nature was to analyze. During these missions he determined optimal flight settings to attain maximum range for the F4U Corsair.
A number of websites detail Lindbergh's contributions to the war effort. Wikipedia has an excellent article detailing Lindbergh's life and contributions to aviation. A website discussing Lindbergh's WW-II contributions is titled, Charles Lindbergh and the 475th Fighter Group. He was a trusting soul that was thrust into the public's withering spotlight. It cost him his son's life and permanently led to his on-again, off-again relationship with the United States government.
Now about this island. It is part of a larger group of islands, the Saint Matthias Group. I selected it initially because I had previously mapped an island in the area, Ponam Island PP. I thought it would be interesting to work on another island in the same vicinity. While digitizing, I noticed the distinct manmade ground signature. It looked like either some sort of exotic farming operation or an abandoned WW-II airfield. It was the latter. During the research phase of the project I learned of Lindbergh's involvement.
I am continually amazed at the stories that are part and parcel to many of my island projects. It seems every place has it's important story to tell. It just needs a willing audience.
Enjoy!
Labels: Charles Lindbergh, island, Landsat, map, Marplot, Melanesia, Papua, Saint Matthias Group
