This story came to life on a glorious spring afternoon in Israel. Michael Flint and I were standing beside the runway of the former fighter base at Herzliya. With us was Michael’s father, Mitchell Flint, who had flown Messerschmitts from this field sixty-seven years before. The old fighter pilot showed us the revetments where the Messerschmitts and Spitfires had been concealed. He pointed to the ancient water tank that had served as their control tower. He took us through the crumbling concrete building that had once been the squadron operations office.
It was then, just for a moment, I could hear it: the deep-throated growl of V-12 engines. The staccato rattle of 13.1-mm machine guns. I could sense the urgency of Israel’s epic battle for survival.
I knew this was a story that had to be told.
My first thanks go to my collaborator, Michael Flint. Capturing the story of the Machal airmen on the screen and in print has been Mike’s ongoing passion for many years. He was an invaluable source and research guide throughout the writing of the book and during our forays to Israel and New York.
Michael’s father, the iconic Mitchell Flint, deserves special thanks. Despite his unique distinction of having flown four of World War II’s most famous fighters in combat—the F4U Corsair, Messerschmitt, Spitfire, P-51 Mustang—Mitchell “Mike” Flint remains what he has always been: a modest and gracious gentleman. During the many months of helping research this book he became a second father to me.
A number of researchers and scholars of Israel’s war of independence deserve mention. Canadian historian and journalist Lawrence “Laurie” Nyveen, who oversees the 101squadron.com website, contributed his extensive knowledge about the Red Squadron and its 1948 exploits. Dr. Ralph Lowenstein, Machal veteran and historian, assembled the immensely valuable collection of questionnaires from his fellow veterans that are now archived in the American Jewish Historical Society in Manhattan. During my research at the AJHS I was ably assisted by the Director of Library and Archives, Susan Malbin, and her efficient staff.
In Florida I was helped and entertained by veteran fighter pilot and feisty raconteur Gideon Lichtman. In California Machal veterans Lee Silverman and Benno Katz contributed their valuable reminiscences. I owe thanks to Joshua Finkel, son of the colorful Aaron “Red” Finkel, and to Mark Augarten, son of leading fighter ace Rudy Augarten, for sharing photographs and documents from their fathers’ collections. Steve Katzew provided material about his father and Flight 35. Aaron Friedman, former bodyguard to David Ben-Gurion, offered valuable anecdotes about the dynamic first prime minister of Israel.
In Israel we were generously assisted by Lt. Col. Amos Cohen of the Fisher Institute for Air & Space Strategic Studies; IAF colonel and former Knesset member Eliezer “Cheetah” Cohen; Avi Moshi Segal, chief curator of the IAF Museum; Elan Frank, decorated IAF veteran and documentary film maker; David Farer, writer and historian of the 1948 war; Dan Moskowitz, who arranged our terrific Tel Aviv accommodations; Udi Gazit, son of Gen. Shaya Gazit; Dr. Gil Mileikowsky, who connected us with valuable sources in Israel; Elie Inbar, the intrepid aviator who flew us over Israel; Yael Shany, who organized the media blitz for Mitchell; Yehuda “Udi” Zorani, who accompanied us from the United States and served as interpreter, guide, and genial travel companion.
A number of Michael Flint’s team members and long-time supporters deserve special mention: the indomitable Cheri O’Laverty; Barbara Press Fix, who smoothed the path in many ways; Lt. Col. Francisco “Paco” Hamm, USAF (ret.), who assembled the many hours of archived film footage; Joyce Flint, Mitchell’s wife and mother of Michael; attorney Konrad Trope; super agent David Warden; Michael’s brother, Guy Flint.
Others who were part of the Angels in the Sky journey include Capt. Woody Berzins, USNR, journalist Tom Tugend, Tony Mulligan, Varda Yoran, Dan Mokady, Iris Mileikowsky, Neville Johnson, Chris Rehr, Audrey Thomson and her son David, Jerry Meadors, Eddie Kugler, Mark Lanksy, Mark Jonathan Harris.
South Africa produced more IAF volunteers per capita than any other country, and the veterans and their families contributed much to this project. They include Alon Zimmerman, Saul and Smoky Simon, Rod Margo, Cynthia Cohen-Kaplan, Joel and Sonny Ospovat, Noreen and Zan Swartzberg, Clifford Solarsh.
The splendidly detailed maps of Israel and the battle zones were produced by friend and graphics whiz Alan Norris. Old pal Ben Omensky deserves thanks for connecting me with the Flints and planting the seed for our collaboration. Author Steven Pressfield has my gratitude for his encouragement and permission to quote from his superb account of the Six-Day War, The Lion’s Gate (New York: Sentinel, 2014). Artist Roy Grinnell has my thanks for his permission to reproduce the dramatic painting Strange Encounter. Roy’s aviation art is on display at www .roygrinnell.com.
A salute and sincere thanks to John Glusman, vice president and editor-in-chief at W. W. Norton & Company, who shepherded this book from its inception to publication with precision and skill. Special thanks to John’s amazing assistant, Lydia Brents, for her talent, patience, and sense of humor. My thanks to Francine Kass, art director at W. W. Norton, for indulging my several last-minute tinkerings.
Another round of applause for Alice Martell, my long time literary agent and chief cheerleader, who was an early believer in this project. Thanks again to Alice’s able assistant, Stephanie Finman, for her ongoing loyalty.
As always, my heartfelt gratitude to my wife and staunchest fan, Anne Busse-Gandt, for her encouragement, love, and willingness to stay the course.