Details
MITCHELL, WILLIAM ("Billy") (1879-1936). Photograph signed ("Wm. Mitchell"), n.p., n.d. [circa 1924]. 292 x 220 mm. (11½ x 8 5/8 in.), including margins, upper margin with small repair; matted. A half-length portrait showing the pioneer of aerial bombardment in uniform, displaying his decorations signed on the lower margin.
"The American army officer was the first to demonstrate, in a controlled test, that armed airplanes could sink a warship. Unfortunately, the lesson was lost on his superiors, who arranged to have him court-martialed"--W.M.
"The American army officer was the first to demonstrate, in a controlled test, that armed airplanes could sink a warship. Unfortunately, the lesson was lost on his superiors, who arranged to have him court-martialed"--W.M.
Provenance
The Cornelius Greenway Collection (sale, Part II, Sotheby Parke Bernet, 4 May 1971, lot 255).