ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

George E. Koskimaki was born in 1922 in Ishpeming, Michigan of Finnish immigrant parents and grew up in the nearby community of L'Anse. While a student at Norther Michigan University in Marquette, he enlisted in the United States Army. He was assigned to the Signal Company of the 101st Airborne Division and became a radio operator. Part of his wartime experience as combat radioman for the division commander, Major General Maxwell D. Taylor, helped make this book possible. After World War II he returned to college where he played fullback for the NMU Wildcats for two more seasons and earned his B. S. degree in biology and physical education.

He also holds a masters degree in education from Wayne State University.

For thirty years he taught biology and coached varsity basketball teams at Roseville High School. After retiring from teaching, he served two years as Executive Secretary of the 101st Airborne Division Association. The third printing of his book, D-DAY WITH THE SCREAMING EAGLES, the story of the airborne assault of Normandy is also available from the 101st Airborne Division Association.

In Northville, where he lives with his wife Eva, a retired school librarian, the Koskimakis are involved in cultural activities and scholarship drives. Both have been honored by the Finnish Government.

Koskimaki was also honored as the Outstanding Alumnus of Northern Michlgan University in 1980. He continues to write a regular column in the 101st Airborne Division Association magazine. For recreation he enjoys carpentry, picking wild berries and trout fishing.