Ryan, John P., 1905-1960.

Colonel John P. Ryan was born in the old family home in Baltimore, Maryland in 1905. Colonel Ryan first attended St. Charles College to become a priest. He later decided on a medical career and studied at the Johns Hopkins University, Loyola College, and the University of Maryland. In 1928, during a break in his studies, he changed his mind on a career again and enlisted as a private in the Army Air Force at Brooks Field, Texas. He became a second lieutenant the next year, and had a distinguished career in flying.

Ryan was commissioned a second lieutenant in 1929, appointed a first lieutenant in 1935, captain in 1940, major in 1941, and lieutenant colonel in February 1942, colonel in August 1942. Ryan married Anna Marie Brennan on December 26, 1930. He was stationed at Aberdeen Proving Ground from 1932 to 1935, where he did pioneer work on the Norden Bomb Sight that made possible high altitude precision bombing. He gained recognition of one of the foremost aerial bombing authorities in the world, and as a result, has been called the 'father of modern bombing.' He later served at Nichols Field, Philippines, Maxwell Field, Alabama, and Barksdale Field, Louisiana. In 1942, while director of the bombardier cadet training school at Kirtland Field in New Mexico, RKO Radio pictures produced a movie depicting his life. Actor Pat O'Brien played the part of Colonel Ryan in the film "Bombardier," which also starred Randolph Scott, Eddie Albert, and Anne Shirley. In 1943, Colonel Ryan became the commanding officer of Carlsbad Army Air Field, where he developed the largest school of its kind. In late 1944, he was transferred to the Deming Army Air Field where he became its commanding officer. Colonel Ryan was a personal friend of Generals Dwight D. Eisenhower, Douglas MacArthur, and Jimmy Doolittle. After a long and illustrious career, Colonel Ryan retired from the United States Air Force in the 1950s, and died on July 13, 1960. He was laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery.

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