John W. Bryant was born on March 10, 1924, in Fort Worth, Tarrant County, Texas. He was the son of Inez and Walter Bryant. He served in the 700th Bomber Squadron, 445th Bomber Group, Heavy, as a Second Lieutenant and Bombardier of the B-24 #4129306 'K for King' during World War II.

On April 22, 1944, the aircraft was struck by anti-aircraft fire during a bombing mission over Hamm, Germany. It sustained damage from German anti-aircraft fire (flak) and possibly fighters, ultimately crashing near Spiere-Helkijn during its return flight. Several crew members were killed, and others were captured or evaded.

2Lt Bryant was captured and held as a prisoner of war at Stalag Luft 3 in Sagan-Silesia, Bavaria. After being liberated, he resumed his military career and eventually retired in 1983 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Air Force. LtC Bryant died on March 24, 2007, and is now buried in the Mount Olivet Cemetery, Fort Worth, Tarrant County, Texas, USA.

Source of information: www.tracesofwar.com