He was a veteran of World War II and participated in the Doolittle Raid on Japan on April 18, 1942.

[1] Saylor saw a poster that promised $78 per month to be a mechanic and offered peacetime pay.

When Saylor completed his training, he served as the flight engineer at bases in Washington, South Carolina, and Florida.

He was credited with ensuring that this crew would be able to participate in the raid after an engine malfunction derailed their mission.

Saylor next served as chief of maintenance of the 337th Fighter Group and 337th Consolidated Aircraft Maintenance Squadron with Air Defense Command at Portland International Airport from January 1964 to March 1966, and then as chief of maintenance of the 328th Fighter Wing at Richards-Gebaur Air Force Base from March 1966 until his retirement from the Air Force on October 1, 1967.

[3] Saylor was a recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross and other awards for his service during the war.

[3] Edward Saylor died at an assisted living center in Sumner, Washington, on January 28, 2015, at the age of 94.