Lieutenant Bryant was a pilot of a AD-4 Skyraider Dive Bomber with Fighter Squadron 54, aboard the aircraft carrier USS Essex (CV-9). On 17 November 1951, his aircraft stalled on takeoff and crashed into the sea. He drowned during the rescue operation of a helicopter. His remains were not recovered. His name is inscribed on the Courts of the Missing at the Honolulu Memorial.

For his leadership and valor, Lieutenant Bryant was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with 4 Gold Stars, the Navy Commendation Ribbon, the Combat Action Ribbon, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Presidential Unit Citation and the Republic of Korea War Service Medal.