Born in the dying days of the Baby Boomer generation, S.R. "Syd" Edwards was a military brat and he resided in cities throughout the eastern and mid-atlantic areas of the United States. His father was a career Marine who served two tours of duty in Vietnam and was wounded in combat,while his mother was a proud housewife who dabbled in painting and ceramics. The family settled down in the Mid-Ohio Valley region of the U.S. in the late 70's. Syd completed his education and soon began selling his artworks. By 1987 his client list included a large percentage of the local business community and he had landed his first high-profile clients.

    His business continued to grow and today his list of clients includes international music groups, business' across the nation and dozens of publications. Syd's artwork has appeared in galleries and art shows throughout Ohio and West Virginia and have won awards in nearly every competition they have been entered in.

    In 1997 his successful "Dark Elegance" art tour made stops in one Ohio and three West Virginia cities. Featuring over 30 pieces, including selections of his award winning aviation art, the show received excellent reviews. Among those who attended were jazz music great Maynard Ferguson and many local music and television personalities.

    A man of diverse talents, Edwards has also written for music magazines, public relations firms and small press publications. He is also the creator and webmaster of a number of websites and has toured as the bass guitarist with several semi-professional music groups.

    His lifelong passion for World War II aviation eventually led him to his connection with the 20th Fighter Group, one of the most under publicized units of the wartime 8th Air Force. Since 1997 he has helped fellow researchers, aviation archaeologists and family members of former personnel uncover information about the "Locobusters" via the internet. His research on the group has been cited in numerous books, magazine articles, internet forums and websites and he maintains contact with a number of the surviving members.

    Edwards resides in "co-habitational bliss" with his long-time girlfriend Nancy and his teen-age daughter, Caitlin in a 40's-vintage home in rural West Virginia. They share their home with three cats, Phantom, Lilly and Aggie. When not busy with his art career, or researching aviation history, he enjoys autograph collecting, online combat flight simulators and reading.

    The Fightin' 79th In World War II is Syd's first extensive reference work.

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