Slow Hand Salute

Lt. Col Edward J. Saylor Jr. 3/15/20 - 1/28/15 

We suffer the loss of our Father, Grandfather, and Great-Grandfather. Born in Jordan, MT and raised on a cattle ranch. Enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1939. On 4/18/1942 he took part in the Doolittle Raid against Japan. After the war he was awarded a commission as an officer and served for 28 years. He was an avid fisherman, and he loved to travel with his wife Lorraine. He enjoyed working with stained glass and had a great sense of humor. We will miss him dearly. He was preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Lorraine, son Eddie, son-in-law Don, and grandson David. He is survived by daughter Charlotte, son Rod and wife Billie, daughter-in-law Sue, Darlene and husband Jerry, numerous grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Wounded Warriors Foundation.

Col Saylor was one of the four remaining Doolittle Raiders. I had the privilege of seeing him and two of the other Raiders speak at McChord AFB when I worked there; it must have been about six years ago. They talked, answered questions, and signed small,  prepared  posters for everyone. I was honored to be in their presence. If you don't know about the Doolittle Raid, you should Google it, or check out the movie 30 Seconds Over Tokyo.