John Kyler learned at 20 years of age what it felt like to assume the role of a ball turret gunner on a B-17 in WWII, as well as the feeling of terror when shot down and taken Prisoner of War by the German Army. Over a brief but deadly fifteen months he was then to face extreme fear, pain, starvation, cold, loneliness, sadness, and despair -- an existence that was to define him for his post-war roles of son, brother, uncle, husband, father, grandfather, friend and worker. He left Salamanca, New York, a boy and returned a man having lived and witnessed many life-changing events that he did not choose to put into words. His experience remained untold throughout his life, and his death at age 81 might have left his story unknown, but for the decision by his daughter and wife to uncover the truth. Together they retraced his steps, paralleling his route and resurrecting his deeply buried memories. After over five years their very "sentimental journey" became a mission completed, enabling the spirit of John Kyler to enjoy peace, having at last told his story with the confidence that the memory of what he and many others did will live on.

John Kyler learned at 20 years of age what it felt like to assume the role of a ball turret gunner on a B-17 in WWII, as well as the feeling of terror when shot down and taken Prisoner of War by the German Army. Over a brief but deadly fifteen months he was then to face extreme fear, pain, starvation, cold, loneliness, sadness, and despair -- an existence that was to define him for his post-war roles of son, brother, uncle, husband, father, grandfather, friend and worker. He left Salamanca, New York, a boy and returned a man having lived and witnessed many life-changing events that he did not choose to put into words. His experience remained untold throughout his life, and his death at age 81 might have left his story unknown, but for the decision by his daughter and wife to uncover the truth. Together they retraced his steps, paralleling his route and resurrecting his deeply buried memories. After over five years their very "sentimental journey" became a mission completed, enabling the spirit of John Kyler to enjoy peace, having at last told his story with the confidence that the memory of what he and many others did will live on.