James Michener

Published his first book at age 40; entitled Tales of the South Pacific, it won the Pulitzer Prize and launched his writing career. Over the course of the next 45 years, he would write such monumental best sellers as Sayonara, The Bridges of Toko- Ri, Hawaii, The Source, Iberia and Chesapeake. Decorated with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Mr. Michener served on the Advisory Council to NASA, the Postal Committee and the operating committee for the U.S. radio network broadcasting to the former USSR and its satellites.