Hal Clement

American writer who wrote for years in his spare time while teaching science at Milton Academy, MA.

After serving in the USAF in WW II as a co-pilot of the B-24 for 33 combat missions in Europe, he completed his education with degrees in astronomy, education and chemistry. He was a scoutmaster of long standing.

First published in 1942, Clement built a reputable name for himself in the sci-fi genre with notable novels and short stories, many in "Astounding Sci-Fi." With work that was based on factual science, both educational and entertaining, he was the epitome of "hard science" writers.

He died in his sleep at home in Milton, MA on October 29, 2003, age 81.