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Bombs Away:
My Life and Training as a
B-26 Pilot |
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Author |
Edward L. Ryon |
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ISBN |
978-0-9793712-6-4 |
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Publisher |
Waldenhouse Publishers, Inc. |
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Description |
6.5" x 9.5"; Lithocase
(hardback with printed cover);
144 pages; $29.95 |
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Availability |
June 2007 |
Order from
Author: |
Edward L. Ryon
P.O Box 21143
Chattanooga, TN 37424 |
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As a farm hand and grocery delivery
boy growing up in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Ed Ryon had no idea
that one day he would become a B-26 pilot in World War II. The
war had a similar effect on everyone. One thing didn’t change
though – his love for his childhood friend, Margaret, who
has been Ed’s wife for sixty-three years.
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Ed Ryon humbly recounts his life and training in the United
States Army Air Force with humor and respect – a little
humor at his own expense and respect for those who trained him
and those he served with. Ed flew forty-six missions over Germany
and all but one with the same crew. He also tells of a touching
reunion with his crew after fifty years apart. Ed brings his
personal story to the history of World War II. |
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Library of Congress Control Number:
2007926233 |
Author biography
First lieutenant Edward Lindsay Ryon, Sr. was born in Chattanooga,
Tennessee on March 11, 1923. His family lived at the foot of
Lookout Mountain until he was two years of age. At that time,
they moved to East Brainerd, a rural area about ten miles east
of the city. He started grammar school at the age of 5 ½
at East Brainerd Elementary School. From there, he attended Tyner
Junior High and Tyner High School until his graduation in 1941.
During high school, he was active in sports, especially varsity
football where he served as a co-captain. He was the recipient
of the Sons of the American Revolution Award in his senior year.
As a boy growing up during the Depression, Ed would work as a
farm hand during the summer. He also worked in a grocery store
delivering groceries. On January 31, 1936, Ed became a Boy Scout
and was quite active for many years as a Scout Master and leader
in the Scouting program.
He attended Concord Baptist Church from the age of two. He became
a Christian and joined the church at the age of ten and has been
a member at Concord Baptist for 74 years. As a member at Concord,
he and his wife, Margaret, took an active part in all phases
of the church. He was an ordained deacon, was a Sunday school
teacher for twenty years, and worked with the youth. He also
served as a trustee and helped write the bylaws and constitution
of the church.
He always liked the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman.
For many years, he raised and trained bird dogs as well as beagles.
He hunted as much as possible. Camping was another favorite outdoor
activity. At home, he likes to work outdoors gardening, tending
to the many flowers that surround their house. He also enjoys
wood working and has a shop at home.
On returning to Chattanooga after the war, Ed and Margaret moved
back to the community where they both grew up. Soon after his
return, he started working for Southern Bell. He worked there
until his retirement in November, 1985. He also attended the
University of Chattanooga at night, majoring in civil engineering.
As time permitted, he became active in community affairs. He
was involved with the Telephone Pioneers and the Brainerd Optimist
Club where he served as a trustee. He taught in the Chattanooga
Literacy Movement and taught conversational English to immigrants.
He assisted in fund-raising for the Birth Defects Center at T.C.
Thompson Children’s Hospital where his wife, Margaret, was
Executive Director for twenty-five years. He also raised funds
for the National Foundation for the March of Dimes.
Now, he enjoys his time in the yard and time with his family
which has expanded to include grandchildren and great-grandchildren. |
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