Isolated and alone. Separated from family and loved ones. American prisoners of war during WWII used small Red Cross supplied diaries to record their thoughts and daily experiences as they counted down their days in captivity, far behind enemy lines. I had a chance to review the diary of a B-24 pilot who was shot down over Germany after completing 27 missions from his 8th Army Air Force base in the United Kingdom. This came to me from a friend who had seen my last posting about WWII bomber aircraft and revealed the P.O.W. journal from her father that somehow survived over 75 years since the Stalag and forced winter marches through Germany in the final days of the war. In addition to his lecture notes from prisoner-organized classes, her father included a list of the fabulous restaurants he planned to enjoy when (and if) he returned to the U.S. It also documented the names and background of the other downed airmen that shared his quarters.

Today’s “bullet” journal concept gives people a way to collect and express their thoughts, organize their priorities and plan their busy days. The “bullets” in this case describe short punctuated line items that summarize and save time. It helps people cope with daily stresses and optimize their life.

During WWII these journals were the product of not only bullets from enemy aircraft, but also the shrapnel from anti-aircraft guns protecting industrial centers. The writings helped the captured preserve their sanity and sense of hope under extremely trying and desperate conditions.

I guess it is a good thing that today people can focus more on personal development and self-promotion rather than just self-preservation, but let’s not forget the people and events that enable this lifestyle today. As we have learned during the past week, not all of our heroes contribute to a happy ending, but their sacrifice and dedication is no less worthy of our respect and honor.

Please drop me a note if you would like more information about the story of this one B-24 pilot who survived to return home and live his American Dream.