This mural was destroyed by Hurricane “Charley” on August 13, 2004. For the current status on the re-creation of this mural, please visit our web site at www.puntagordamurals.com.

The three panel mural was dedicated April 11, 2002.  It depicted the field as it appeared shortly after construction in 1943.  It was used as a training facility for Army Air Corps pilots receiving instruction in flying P-40 and later P-51 fighter aircraft.  Each of the two side panels showed these planes in large, detailed scale.

The third center panel on the ramp wall looked down on the airfield with each building, barracks, shop and mess hall located exactly as they were six decades ago. 

The mural was painted by Florida artist and muralist Edwin Yip.  This is the second in a series to be done at the airport celebrating various phases in the history of aviation.  (See mural #11 – Flying Times)

The P-51 Mustang was the famous long-range fighter manufactured by North American Aviation.  It was the first plane the company ever built and they completed the first model in a record 177 days.  The Curtiss P-40 Tomahawk was widely used in the early days of WWII and received fame though its use by General Claire Chennault’s Flying Tigers in China.

Representing the men who trained at this field was Marshall Hall, the first operator of the control tower (shown in the first panel).  He assisted in the dedication and boasted that they never had a plane crash while he was on duty.

Representing the men who trained at this field was Marshall Hall, the first operator of the control tower (shown in the first panel).  He assisted in the dedication and boasted that they never had a plane crash while he was on duty.

The Mural Society, in conjunction with the Florida International Air Show, the Charlotte County Airport Authority and the Airport Historical Museum Board, is anticipating creating several additional themed murals at the Charlotte County Airport.

Dedicated April 11, 2002