https://simanaitissays.com/2014/03/29/my-home-air-space-orange-county-california... - aviation history in Orange County than simply Duke Field. The county was home to Glenn L. Martin, one of aviation’s pioneers. It hosted the likes of Amelia Earhart and Howard Hughes. Military air bases were crucial Orange County real estate during World War II. Its aviation landmarks have motor sports links as well.
Author Vi Smith begins her tale of From Jennies to Jets: The Aviation History of Orange County with a balloonist’s demise in 1900. Its 1974 publication came five years prior to Orange County Airport’s name change to honor John Wayne in the year of his death.
Another tale in Smith’s book is Howard Hughes setting a world record in his all-metal low-wing 1100-hp H-1 monoplane.