IN HIS OWN WORDS

<p>Much to the astonishment of retired teachers Jane and Cathy their goal of sharing the World War One experience of Jane's father Charles Ryan evolved into this book.</p><p> </p><p> The story is based primarily on the letters found at the Ryan family farm a few years ago. The letters describe the impressions of a young soldier stationed in England as a member of the air squadron at the beginning of the American Air Force.</p><p> </p><p> In his writing Charles was able to capture the bravery challenges and loneliness of a young man placed in an unfamiliar threatening environment. Each letter subtly expresses a constant awareness of the chance of loss of life and most of all the possibility of never returning to a beloved country and family.</p>