John Blaylock graduated from the University of Iowa in June, 1941 and shortly thereafter enlisted in the Air Corps as an Aviation Cadet. After training as a Pilot, he received his wings and was sent overseas. He arrived in England in April, 1943, where he was stationed at Polebrook, the 351st Bomb Group base. Promoted to Major on 15 September 1943, he flew a number of missions, including one with actor Clark Gable. As Commanding Officer of his 510th Bomb Squadron, John was Pilot of the Group’s lead bomber B-17 42-37731 on the 31 December 1943 mission to Bordeaux, France. The B-17 was hit by Flak and attacked by German fighters. He was reported by surviving crew members as seen bailing out of the plane near the mouth of the Gironde River, near Royan, France. Apparently, his chute failed to open and he was found dead by the Germans. Killed In Action (KIA).