LT. BRYANT KILLED, IS GERMAN REPORT TO THE RED CROSS

Bethany Republican-Clipper Wed, Sep 08, 1943 ·Page 1

One Day He Became Missing; Presumption Is That End Was Instantaneous - Word Received Saturday.

1st Lieut. Keith Livingstone Bryant, listed as missing in action after his P-40 pursuit plane was forced into a crash landing July 3rd on the beach of Sardinia, Italian island possession northeast of Sicily, now has been reported as having been killed in action, that day.

His parents, Mr. and Mrs. W.P. Bryant, were so notified Saturday afternoon in a telegram from the war department, which said: "Report recieved from the German government through the International Red Cross states that your son, 1st Lieut. Keith L. Bryant, who was previously reported missing since three July, was killed in action on three July in European area. The secretary of war extends his deepest sympathy. Letter follows. Ulio, adjutant general."

The logical presumption is that Lieut. Bryant, 24 years old, was killed instantly in the forced landing of his plane which had been traveling at 200 miles per hour only 20 feet above earth before the rudder of the ship was cut away by the propeller of another plane whose pilot was intent on his own target. Lieut. Bryant is known to have gained some altitude to cut his motor and slow down his speed, but that would of remained high, it is believed.

At Top, Physically

Lieut. Bryant was on his 27th mission when he was lost. In addition, he had flown on a great many sorties, and at one time, it is known, had more flying combat hours to his credit than any other member of his squadron.

An athlete and weight lifter, Lieut. Bryant was superbly fitted in strength to be a fighter pilot, and he kept himself at the peak of condition. As a result, he had been able to remain on duty with only five days of rest since he reported in Africa

(See No. 1 on back page)