John Zolner had lived in Ravena all his life and, after graduating from Ravena High School, he enlisted in the Air Corps in January 1942. He served as a Pilot in the 353rd Fighter Group / 350th Fighter Squadron in England. Shot down on his 55th mission in P-47 Thunderbolt “Soubrette” # 42-8557 on a bomber escort mission to Berlin, 8 March 1944. Missing Air Crew Report – MACR 2992. #42-8557 crashed near Nijverdal, Holland and John Zolner evaded capture, assisted by Dutch, Belgian and French patriots and underground members, guiding him to Switzerland. Escape & Evasion Report - E&E 2053. Full details about John Zolner’s evasion at http://www.evasioncomete.be/fzolnerjo.html

Zolner left the 350th Fighter Squadron at the beginning of October 1944 to return to the United States. Retiring from service in the Air Force with the rank of Captain, he wintered at his home in Naples, Florida in his later years. John was the manager of Hudson River Concrete for 25 years and, in 1986, he retired from Marshall's Garage after 15 years of service. John passed away in 2006.