Walter M. Miller Jr. (1923–1996)
Walter M. Miller Jr. was an American science fiction author best known for his acclaimed post-apocalyptic novel, *A Canticle for Leibowitz*. His personal experiences as a radioman and tail gunner during World War II, particularly his participation in the bombing of the Abbey of Monte Cassino, profoundly influenced his writing, often exploring themes of faith, war, and the cyclical nature of human civilization. Despite the critical success of his work, Miller struggled with depression throughout his life and was a reclusive figure, producing a relatively small body of work before his death.