John R Bayer

John R. Bayer is an embodiment of the expression 'Excelsior', as a lifelong learner who earned three degrees from Excelsior College. Bayer retired from the US Navy in 2022 after 45 years, 37 in uniform and 8 years as a civilian analyst*.

He produced the 2nd & 3rd editions of a WWII US Army Liaison Pilot’s memoir, "Alone and Unarmed", Ernest E. Kowalik’s autobiography of his experiences in the North African and Italian Campaigns.

With Hazel J. Rathbun, he was the co-editor and co-publisher, of Hazel’s late husband, Frank H. Rathbun’s research, and 2022 release, “Captain John Peck Rathbun: Revolutionary War Naval Hero & Man of the Sea”.

John appeared on PBS TV’s 'History Detectives' as an expert on the flight of the US Navy NC flying boats, of which the NC-4 completed the 1st air crossing of any ocean. He was speaker at both the 100th and 90th anniversaries of the flight for the National Park Service.

As a Podcaster, he is the creator of '757 Tales: Stories from Hampton Roads', A Virginia local history podcast.

Mr. Bayer completed a screenplay, "Destiny at Daytona: The Frank Lockhart Story", on the life of the 1st ‘rookie’ to win the Indy 500, who died attempting the Land Speed Record in 1928, at age 25.

Mr. Bayer has several screenplays in Development, including: "First Across", on the NC-4s epic flight; "Audacious", the life of Revolutionary War naval hero Captain John Peck Rathbun; and "Alone and Unarmed", Ernest Kowalik's story.

*Adapted/excerpted from: ‘Excelsior Theses Series: Frank Lockhart and the Land Speed Record’; By Mike Lesczinski, December 27, 2016.