IN HIS OWN WORDS

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. 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. 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.